SWARMING OF LONCHAEID FLIES AND OTHER INSECTS, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF FOUR NEW SPECIES OF LONCHAEIDAE (DIPTERA)

Abstract Swarming of 16 species (three genera) of Lonchaeidae is reported for the first time, and is related to the occurrence, nature, and evolutionary significance of insect swarming in general. The theory that aerial swarming is basic to the two-winged condition in Diptera is proposed. Evidence is presented to show that various swarming habits and associated morphological adaptations are primitive features of not only the Lonchaeidae, but of all Diptera. Four new species of Lonchaea from Ontario are described.