Molecular Systematics of Crane flies
Crane flies are among the most diverse members of the lower or “primitive” true flies (Nematoceran Diptera) with over 15,000 species globally. Australia boasts over 1,100 species across 4 families and 62 genera, however beyond alpha taxonomy relatively little is known about the Australian fauna, especially with respect to ecology and systematics. My work aims to expand upon the knowledge of Australian crane flies by focusing on four particularly poorly understood aspects of the fauna.
- Life stage association: The primary life stage of crane flies is the larval stage, generally with a non-feeding adult phase persisting only a few days. The larval forms of Australian species are, however, virtually unknown. Using multiple molecular markers to associate larval, pupal and adult life stages for the first time I’m aiming to develop a wider understanding of the diverse forms and ecological requirements of Australian larval crane flies.
- Review of Geranomyia: one of the most readily recognisable groups of crane flies the Australian species of Geranomyia are surprisingly difficult to distinguish even for specialist taxonomists. I’m working to improve species delineation in the genus and examine the biogeographic history of Australia’s three lineages.
- Review of Tasiocera: Australia’s smallest crane flies, some measuring less than <3mm at the wing, Tasiocera have been poorly studied and, in just a short time, I have found over 15 new species across south eastern Australia. I’m aiming to explore the hitherto overlooked diversity of the Australasian Tasiocera (s.s.) and examine phylogenetic relationships between four endemic clades.
- Diversity and evolutionary history of Australian Molophilus: Molophilus is the most diverse genus of Australian crane flies. With over 300 endemic species across multiple endemic subgenera the Australian continent hosts the greatest diversity of Molophilus in the world, suggesting a unique evolutionary history. I aim to use multiple molecular markers to construct a phylogeny of the Australian species and molecular clock data to explore past environmental conditions that fostered the remarkable radiation of the genus i
Molecular Biodiversity Lab 