taxonID	type	description	language	source
039B87BA6B2BFF85FF0DC3C74FC8D8D5.taxon	discussion	Tribe Dithrycini is represented in India by three described genera: Malaisinia Hering, Platensina Enderlein and Oedaspis Loew, all included in subtribe Platensinina by Hancock (2001), with ten described species (Agarwal and Sueyoshi 2005; David et al. 2022 a; Maneesh et al. 2023; Singh et al. 2025). Platensina accounts for seven species and the other two genera with one and two species respectively (Maneesh et al. 2 023; Singh et al. 2025). The tribe is mostly associated with Asteraceae and forms stem galls, with one species, Oedaspis nauniensis Maneesh & Hancock, recently recorded from subterranean galls on Artemisia sp. (Maneesh et al. 2023). Two new species in Malaisinia and Platensina are described here.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2BFF80FF0DC69C49C3DC09.taxon	description	(Figs 1 & 2)	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2BFF80FF0DC69C49C3DC09.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: A medium sized (5.14 mm) species characterized by 3 frontal setae, 2 orbital setae, proboscis with elongate black setae, scutum largely greyish black with yellowish setulae except in scapular region, wings largely black with hyaline indentations, setulae on dorsal side of vein R 1 with a gap below Sc break, cell r 1 with one small circular hyaline indentation just below Sc break and two larger hyaline indentations basally connected to smaller hyaline indentations in cell r 2 + 3 forming almost triangular indentations. Abdomen dark greyish with broad black bands. Posterior lobe of lateral surstylus longer and broader than anterior lobe and glans with serrated sclerites on preputium. Malaisinia tenebrosa Maneesh & Hancock, sp. nov. is similar to M. biseta (Wang) and M. variegata (Radhakrishnan) but it can be differentiated from M. variegata by three frontal setae, two hyaline indentations in cells sc and r 1, dark grayish abdomen with broad black bands and shape of epandrium; whereas M. variegata has four frontal setae, a single hyaline indentation in cell sc, at least 3 in cell r 1, almost keel-shaped hyaline indentations confluent with each other in cell m, a polished dark brown abdomen without black bands and narrower posterior lobe of lateral surstylus. Wing pattern is variable in M. variegata but differences discussed here are consistent in all the variable type specimens (cf. Radhakrishnan 1984, figs 1, 3, 4, 5 & 11).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2BFF80FF0DC69C49C3DC09.taxon	description	From M. biseta it can be differentiated by wing cell r 2 + 3 with hyaline extension of outer indentation in cell r 1 broad, as wide as the posterior part of the latter; cell m with 3 large hyaline marginal indentations plus a smaller subapical marginal spot and 2 partially joined spots above medial indentation; anal cell with 4 marginal and 2 medial spots. Head: Head brownish fulvous, 1.05 mm high, front yellowish with light greyish areas laterally and a lighter fulvous line in middle and wider (1.03 mm) than long (0.61 mm). Ocellar triangle black. Scape and pedicel brownish fulvous, scape with yellowish setulae dorsally and pedicel with black setulae. Flagellum yellowish brown, apically pubescent and arista lightly plumose basally. Antennae (0.47 mm) shorter than face, latter yellowish. Lateral margins of face with 12 – 15 black setulae. Proboscis capitate with elongate black setae (fig. 1 D), palpi with 5 – 6 black setulae on anterior end and rest with long yellowish setae (fig. 1 D). Compound eyes slightly higher (0.88 mm) than broad (0.74 mm). All setae black or yellowish brown except postocellar and postoculars stubby white and scale-like: 3 frontal, 2 orbital, 1 ocellar, 3 postocellar (medial longer), 2 vertical (inner longer), 9 – 10 postocular (alternately black and stubby white with white setae longer), 1 black genal seta surrounded by 4 – 5 yellow setae. Postgena with dense yellow setae (Fig. 1 C). Thorax: Scutum largely greyish black covered with short, yellowish, scale-like setae except stubby whitish and longer in scapular region. Postpronotal lobe yellowish brown, notopleuron posteriorly yellowish, suture slightly yellowish brown. Postalar calli and scutellum yellowish brown. Pleuron largely yellowish brown except katatergite and anatergite basal 20 % darker. Subscutellum and mediotergite black. Full complement of yellowish brown thoracic setae except apical scutellar setae absent: 1 postpronotal, 2 notopleural, 1 presutural supra-alar, 1 postsutural supra-alar, 1 dorscocentral, 1 postalar, 1 intra-alar, 1 prescutellar acrostichal, 1 basal scutellar, 2 anepisternal, 1 anepimeral and 1 katepisternal. All legs yellowish fulvous, fore femora with 3 rows of setae, 2 lateral and 1 ventrolateral, 6 – 8 longer setae on ventrolateral row; mid femora with 3 – 4 setulae in row at apex and mid tibiae with an apical black spine; hind tibiae with 3 – 5 black setulae in row on dorsolateral side. Wings 4.41 mm long, largely black with hyaline indentations and 2 setae at Sc break. Vein R 1 lacks setulae on dorsal side just below the Sc break (fig 2 B). Basal portion of wing including cells bc, bm and bcu hyaline. Cell c hyaline with anterior half of humeral vein black, an indistinct black patch below costal break and a narrow black band distal of midline and separated from apex by a quadrate hyaline area. Hyaline line at Sc break, pterostigma black with two circular hyaline indentations, one near apex of Sc break and another near vein R 1. Cell r 1 black with one small circular hyaline indentation just below Sc break and two larger hyaline indentations basally connected to smaller spots in cell r 2 + 3 forming almost triangular indentations; cell r 2 + 3 with 2 isolated additional spots below vein R 2 + 3 (fig. 2 C), cell br with 1 circular hyaline spotin middle almost confluent with vein M, two hyaline spots in cell r 4 + 5, the larger just above dm-cu crossvein and the smaller in middle. Three hyaline spots in cell dm, 1 isolated and circular and 2 irregularly-shaped and confluent with hyaline indentations in cell cu 1 below vein Cu 1. Cell m with 4 hyaline spots and 4 marginal indentations, 3 large and 1 smaller just below apex of vein M, the 3 basal spots / indentations distinctly angled, the 2 medial spots pear-shaped and partially united. Cell cu 1 with 7 – 8 hyaline spots and indentations, 5 – 6 in middle of cell almost connected with each other and surrounded by a greyer area except for an elongate black spot between the anterior medial pair, 1 irregularly-shaped basal spot and 1 circular marginal indentation near apex of vein Cu 1. Anal lobe hyaline basally, the rest greyish with 4 hyaline indentations and 2 smaller circular spots medially. Alula greyish at apex. Abdomen: Largely setose with shiny yellowish setulae, dark grayish in colour (fig. 2 A) with broad black bands on tergites almost making abdomen appear black except tergite I with narrower black band. Tergite V longer than IV and with longer setae on margins. Sternite V rectangular with shallow posterior emargination and posterior margin with 7 – 8 black setae. Genitalia: Epandrium densely setose, the setulae almost arranged in spiral pattern (see Fig. 2 D), quadrate in posterior view and higher than proctiger, the latter also setose (Figs 2 D & E). Lateral surstylus (0.39 mm) slightly longer than medial surstylus (0.33 mm). Posterior lobe of lateral surstylus longer and broader than anterior lobe and margins of both with long setae. Medial surstylus ends in two brownish prensisetae, inner one stouter than outer. Aedeagus 3.08 mm long excluding glans (0.15 mm), the latter with broad oval acrophallus in middle and broad preputium (Fig. 2 F). Sclerites on lateral side of preputium with serrations (Fig. 2 F).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2BFF80FF0DC69C49C3DC09.taxon	materials_examined	Type Material: Holotype ♂, on Artemisia sp., INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Solan, Nauni, 30 ° 51 ’ 47 ” N 77 ° 10 ’ 7 ” E. 10. v. 2024, Maneesh Leg. at Zoological Survey of India (High Altitude Regional Centre (HARC), Solan, Himachal Pradesh).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2BFF80FF0DC69C49C3DC09.taxon	etymology	Etymology: Specific epithet derived from Latin ‘ Tenebris ’ due to the darker abdomen.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2BFF81FF0DC13348CDDB1B.taxon	discussion	This genus is characterized by having 3 – 4 pairs of frontal, 2 pairs of orbital and 1 pair of scutellar setae [apicals absent], scutum covered with short, yellowish, scale-like setulae, wing apex dark with at most a very small hyaline subapical spot and an unusually angled basal hyaline indentation in cell m. Hancock (2001) included three species: pulcherrima Hering from Myanmar and W China, variegata (Radhakrishnan) from NE India and biseta (Wang) from SW China. A fourth species is added here from northern India. Only the host plant of M. variegata is known; it forms stem galls on Inula cappa (Asteraceae: Radhakrishnan, 1984).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2FFF8CFF0DC10B4EA5D9A5.taxon	description	(Figures 3 – 4)	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2FFF8CFF0DC10B4EA5D9A5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Medium sized (4.12 mm) species characterized by 3 frontal and 2 orbital setae, basal scutellar setae twice as long as apicals, wing mostly black with distinct hyaline spots and indentations, cell r 1 with 2 large indentations crossing cell and a small subapical spot, cell r 2 + 3 with a single marginal spot, cell br without spots, cell r 4 + 5 with apical spot small and much narrower than large, oval basal spot near r-m crossvein, two narrow hyaline indentations in cell m, abdomen black, oviscape longer than half length of abdomen, spicules on distal end of eversible membrane broad with 3 – 5 short projections. Platensina bradyseta Maneesh & Hancock, sp. nov. is similar to P. platyptera Hendel in general characters but can be differentiated by longer apical scutellar setae, longer oviscape (longer than half length of abdomen), cell br without any hyaline spots, hyaline spot at apex of cell r 4 + 5 small and narrower than basal spot near r-m crossvein, two narrow hyaline indentations in cell m, broader spicules on distal eversible membrane with projections and sharper tip of aculeus (cf. David et al. 2022 a figs 38 & 41). Hyaline spots and indentations in Platensina are often variable but in cells br, r 4 + 5 and m they are usually consistent. Images of P. platyptera from India, Taiwan and Singapore examined by MPS all have a circular hyaline spot in cell br and the apical spot in cell r 4 + 5 broader than the basal hyaline spot. These characters of P. platyptera are also consistent with the illustrations of David et al. (2022 a figs 31 – 32).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2FFF8CFF0DC10B4EA5D9A5.taxon	description	Head: Head yellowish brown, front broad and darker except inverted U-shaped orange-brown area just above lunule (Fig. 3 B), stubby white setulae present in middle of front between the row of frontal setae, antennae (0.41 mm) shorter than face, flagellum lighter in colour, dorsoapically slightly curved, pubescent and with a plumose arista. Scape and pedicel dorsally with black setulae. Face yellow, lateral margins below facial carina with row of black setulae togenal seta. Palpi with black setulae, the anterior setula longer. Proboscis with yellowish setulae. Postocciput with black setulae and long yellowish setae. Setae yellowish except frontal and ocellar blackish: 3 frontal, 2 orbital, 1 ocellar, 2 vertical (outer stubby white), 4 postocellar (medial longer and stouter), 4 – 5 stubby white postocular (3 black setulae between each stubby white seta) and 1 genal. Thorax: Scutum greyish, pollinose with shiny yellowish setulae. Postpronotal lobe, suture and area around posterior notopleural seta yellowish. Pleuron yellowish brown, katatergite, anatergite, mediotergite and subscutellum greyish black. Scutellum disc greyish otherwise yellowish brown. Three stubby white setulae in row behind each apical scutellar seta and bunch of 5 stubby white setulae behind each basal scutellar seta (fig. 3 D). Anepisternal stripe with 10 scattered stubby white setulae (fig. 3 C). Full complement of thoracic setae, all yellowish except posterior notopleural seta darker. Apical scutellar setae almost half length of basal scutellar setae. Setae: 1 postpronotal, 2 notopleural, 1 presutural supra-alar, 1 postsutural supra-alar, 1 dorsocentral, 1 postalar, 1 intra-alar, 1 prescutellar acrostichal, 2 scutellar, 2 anepisternal, 1 anepimeral and 1 katepisternal. All legs yellowish brown with black setulae, mid and hind femora slightly darker brownish than fore femora, the latter with a row of 6 setae on ventrolateral side. Wings 3.68 mm long, black with numerous spots and hyaline indentations, rounded at apical margin, with 4 black setulae near Rs joint (fig. 3 F). Cell bc hyaline, humeral crossvein infuscated, cell c hyaline with 3 narrow black bands, medial slightly broader than basal and apical bands, placed distal of midline and separated from apex by a quadrate hyaline area. Cell sc black with basal hyaline indentation at Sc break, the latter with 1 long and 1 shorter costal setae. Cell r 1 with a rectangular hyaline spot below upturned apex of vein Sc, 2 broad indentations crossing cell and a small marginal subapical spot, the basal broadest and confluent with extension of indentation in cell r 2 + 3, the medial narrower and weakly connected to oval spot in cell r 2 + 3. Cell r 2 + 3 additionally with a hyaline marginal spot near apex of vein R 2 + 3 and two circular grey spots between apical and basal hyaline spots. Cell br without hyaline or grey spots. Cell r 4 + 5 with two hyaline spots, the basal spot near r-m crossvein oval and much larger than the small apical spot and two circular grey spots between them alongside veins R 4 + 5 and M (Fig. 3 F). Cell dm with 2 circular hyaline indentations of almost equal size. Cells bm and bcu basally hyaline. Cell m with 2 narrow and widely separated marginal hyaline indentations. Cell cu 1 with 2 medial marginal indentations separated from 2 medial spots and 2 basal spots. Anal lobe grey with 2 large indentations and 2 small circular medial spots (Fig. 3 F). Abdomen: Abdomen shiny black and setose, tergites I & II black with lateral and medial brownish coloration. Tergites III & IV black with narrow brownish transverse band at posterior margin. Tergites V & VI black, slightly brownish laterally. Tergite VI slightly longer than V and with 12 – 14 setae at posterior margin (fig. 4 A). All sternites yellowish with irregularly-shaped medial black patches. Genitalia: Oviscape shiny black, 1.31 mm long (more than half length of abdomen) and conical. Aculeus brownish fulvous, 1.25 mm long, spear-shaped with sharper apical tip chisel like (fig. 4 A). Eversible membrane 1.3 mm long with broader spicules on distal end. Spicules on distal end with 3 – 5 short projections (fig. 4 C) and posteriorly spicules broadly triangular (fig. 4 C). Spermathecae not extracted.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2FFF8CFF0DC10B4EA5D9A5.taxon	materials_examined	Type Material: Holotype ♀, on Artemisia sp., INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Solan, Nauni, 30 ° 51 ’ 47 ” N 77 ° 10 ’ 7 ” E. 10. v. 2024, Maneesh Leg. at Zoological Survey of India (High Altitude Regional Centre (HARC), Solan, Himachal Pradesh)	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2FFF8CFF0DC10B4EA5D9A5.taxon	etymology	Etymology: Specific epithet derived due to longer apical scutellar setae.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B2FFF8CFF0DC3F948CDDD9F.taxon	discussion	Seven species of Platensina were known previously from India (Agarwal & Sueyoshi 2005; David et al. 2022 a; Singh et al. 2025). It is characterized by front almost as wide as long, flagellum shorter than face, apically pubescent, arista moderately plumose, scape and pedicel dorsally covered with black setulae, 3 frontal and 2 orbital setae, postocellar and postocular setae stubby white, wings predominantly black with hyaline indentations, cell r 1 with at least one long, broad hyaline indentation, wing usually broader at apex and angled either side of vein Cu 1. Scutum greyish, covered with short, yellowish setulae, scutellum with 1 or 2 pairs of setae (apical pair shorter) and abdomen usually polished black and setulose but fulvous around lateral margins of tergites I – III. The only recorded host plant is Ludwigia sp. (Onagraceae: Hancock 2012).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B23FF8DFF0DC2E64E0FDBAD.taxon	discussion	Tribe Pliomelaenini was represented previously in India by 8 recorded species in 4 genera: Elaphromyia Bigot, Pliomelaena Bezzi, Quadrimelaena Hancock and Sundaresta Hering (Agarwal & Sueyoshi 2005; Hancock 2004; Singh et al. 2025). A new species is added here. The tribe is characterized by pale setae on head and thorax, wings dark with numerous hyaline indentations, male genitalia usually bifid or with paired apical structure above preputium and host plants mostly flower heads of Acanthaceae.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B23FF89FF0DC1EE4F5DDC2D.taxon	description	(figures 5 – 7)	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B23FF89FF0DC1EE4F5DDC2D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Small (3.16 mm) species with darker frons, palpi with black setulae on anterior lobe, katepisternal and anepimeral setae white and almost as long as anepisternal seta, cell r 1 with 6 hyaline indentations in left wing and 5 in right wing of females and 5 in both wings of male, abdomen with a pair of medial black spots on tergites IV – VI in females, that on VI larger than remaining spots giving eyespot appearance, and on tergite IV in male, tergite V in male with 6 black spots. Preputium trumpet-shaped, narrow basally and patterned with an irregularly shaped beaded surface, apex of glans and posterior end of preputium dorsally covered with a butterfly-shaped sclerite. Elaphromyia oculomaculata Maneesh & Hancock, sp. nov. is similar to other Indian Elaphromyia in appearance, i. e. E. pterocallaeformis (Bezzi), E. siva Frey and E. juncta David, Hancock & Sachin, but can be differentiated by long white katepisternal seta, 5 – 6 hyaline indentations in cell r 1, larger black spots on tergite VI of female and 6 black spots on tergite V of male, longer trumpet-like preputia, shape of spicules on distal eversible membrane and shape of spermathecae; E. pterocallaeformis, E. siva and E. juncta have short and dark katepisternal seta, E. pterocallaeformis has 5 – 6 hyaline indentations in cell r 1 but abdominal spots, basally broader preputia, shape of spicules on distal eversible membrane and spermathecae clearly separate them (cf. David et al. 2021 figs 29, 32 & 34), E. siva has mostly uniform bifid preputia (cf. David et al. 2021 fig. 19), E. juncta has dark katepisternal seta, 4 hyaline indentations in cell r 1, 3 marginal hyaline indentations in cell cu 1, elongate yellowish indentations on wing, shorter bifid preputia almost as long as wide, longer spicules on distal eversible membrane (cf. David et al. 2021 figs 5, 6, 9 & 12).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B23FF89FF0DC1EE4F5DDC2D.taxon	description	Head: Yellowish fulvous, dark greyish on frons, scape and pedicel with dorsal black setulae, flagellum yellowish, laterally darker, pubescent and dorsoapically slightly curved. Arista lightly plumose, face fulvous but slightly darker in male, 20 – 25 black setulae on lateral sides of facial carina from genal setae, compound eyes higher than wide. Palpi with black setulae on anterior lobe and proboscis with yellowish setulae. All setae yellowish or stubby white except frontal setae darker than others: 3 frontal, 2 orbital, 1 ocellar, 2 vertical (outer vertical short and stubby white), 2 postocellar (each crossing in ‘ x’ fashion), 3 stubby white postocular setae with 5 – 6 black setulae between each, 1 genal seta and postgenal area covered with dense yellowish setae. Thorax: Dark greyish with yellowish setulae, 2 lateral and 1 medial faint dark lines present from scapular region to scutum. Lateral faint lines align with dorsocental setae and slightly darker on suture. Postpronotal lobe slightly yellowish with stubby white setulae ventrally, notopleuron dark greyish, anepisterum dark greyish apically except narrow transverse yellow line below notopleuron and rest of pleuron yellowish. Mediotergite greyish, katatergite, anatergite and subscutellum faint black (fig. 5 D). Full complement of thoracic setae, with black narrow annular base and apical scutellar setae weakly developed. Dorsocentral setae anterior to postsutural supra-alar. Katepisternal and anepimeral setae white and longer, almost as long as anepisternal seta (fig. 5 D). Setae: 1 postpronotal, 2 notopleural (both anterior and posterior setae equally long), 1 presutural supra-alar, 1 postsutural supra-alar, 1 dorsocental (anterior to postsutural supra-alar), 1 prescutellar acrostichal, 1 postalar, 2 scutellar (apical scutellar very small), 2 anepisternal (posterior white), 1 white anepimeral and 1 white katepisternal. All thoracal setae translucent except the few white setae mentioned above. All legs with black setulae, fore legs dark brownish, mid and hind legs yellowish (fig. 5 A). Fore femora with a ventrolateral row of 5 – 6 setae and 2 dorsolateral rows of 5 – 6 setae. Wings dark, elongate (4.92 mm), parallel-sided with hyaline indentations and almost parallel series of many circular to elongate yellowish brown spots. Cell bc and c dark except apical yellowish speck, Sc break hyaline and vein R 1 with dorsal setulae below Sc break, cell sc with 2 marginal hyaline indentations, posterior indentation near sc break smaller and absent in a paratype female, cell r 1 with 6 hyaline indentations in left wing and 5 in right wing in all females, 5 in both wings of male. Indentations in cell r 1 of right wing of females broader than in left (figs 6 A & B). Cell r 1 with 11 yellowish circular indentations behind hyaline indentations in both sexes. Cell r 2 + 3 with a single small hyaline indentation below apex of vein R 2 + 3 extending as a yellowish spot. Yellowish spots slightly elongated in entire wing except in cells r 1 and r 4 + 5 where these yellowish spots are circular to subcircular. Cell m with 3 marginal hyaline indentations in females and 4 in male. Posterior hyaline indentation in cell m larger semicircular and confluent with vein Cu 1 in both sexes. Cell cu 1 with 4 – 5 elongate marginal hyaline indentations and rest of cell with light reticulate pattern. Alula with reticulate subhyaline pattern (figs 6 A & B). Halteres yellowish with blackish capitulum. Abdomen: Elongate-oval, yellowish and covered with black setulae except tergite II bare medially. Tergite VI in female and V in male slightly reddish brown compared with rest of tergites (fig 5 F & 6 C). Tergite IV, V and VI in female with a pair of medial black spots. Medial black spots on tergite VI larger than rest of spots giving eyespot appearance. Tergite V in females with a pair of lateral small black spots (fig. 5 F). Tergite V in male with 6 black spots, 4 medial arranged in a square and 2 lateral (fig. 6 C). Tergite IV of male with two small medial black spots. Posterior margin of tergite V in males with 8 – 10 black setae. Female Genitalia: Oviscape 0.87 mm long, reddish brown with basal triangular black spot dorsomedially. Aculeus (0.1 mm) with two lateral flanges apically and tip chisel-shaped, triangulate, and sharper at apex (figs 7 A & B). Eversible membrane 0.1 mm long. Spicules on distal eversible membrane c-shaped with flat triangular projection. Two lemon-shaped spermathecae covered with tubular projections (fig. 7 D). Male Genitalia: Epandrium triangular in posterior view, covered with dense setulae and posterior end with scattered setae. Epandrium much higher than proctiger (figs 7 E & F), latter setose and lateral surstylus longer than medial surstylus. Posterior lobe of lateral surstylus broad, blunt and anterior lobe triangulate at apex. Inner end of posterior lobe of lateral surstylus with 3 – 5 setulae. Medial surstylus ending in 2 sharp striated prensisetae. Two setae on inner surface of medial surstylus (fig. 7 E). Aedeagus 0.27 mm long excluding glans (0.067 mm), latter bifid apically terminated in to two distinct preputia. Preputium trumpet-shaped, narrow basally, patterned with an irregularly shaped beaded surface, and apex of glans and posterior end of preputium dorsally covered with butterfly-shaped sclerite (figs 7 G & H). Whip-like beaded and pubescent subapical lobe present between preputia.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B23FF89FF0DC1EE4F5DDC2D.taxon	materials_examined	Type Material: Holotype ♀, on Bambusa sp., INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, Summer hills, 7. xi. 2024, Maneesh Leg. In Zoological Survey of India (High Altitude Regional Centre (HARC), Solan, Himachal Pradesh). Paratypes 1 ♂ & 2 ♀, same data as holotype (1 paratype with first author). Paratype 1 ♀, on Bidens pilosa, INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Hamirpur, Bann, 11. ii. 2025, Maneesh Leg. In Zoological Survey of India (High Altitude Regional Centre (HARC), Solan, Himachal Pradesh).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B23FF89FF0DC1EE4F5DDC2D.taxon	etymology	Etymology: Specific epithet derived from Latin words denoting eye spots i. e. 2 prominent circular black spots on tergite VI of female abdomen.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B23FF8AFF0DC3A148CDDB21.taxon	discussion	Four species of Elaphromyia were known previously from India: E. yunnanesis Wang, E. pterocallaeformis (Bezzi), E. siva Frey and E. juncta David, Hancock & Sachin. The genus is characterized by 2 pairs of postocellar setae arranged in an ‘ x’ fashion, 3 pairs of frontal setae, dark greyish scutum with yellowish setulae, apical scutellar setae shorter than basals and dark wings longer than body length, parallel-sided with multiple narrow hyaline or diffuse yellow spots mostly in parallel lines. Number of hyaline indentations in cell r 1 often variable in females (figs 6 A – B and cf. David et al. 2021 figs 15 & 16). Abdominal tergites yellowish with a few circular black spots or entirely dark and glans of phallus bifid, patterned and with beaded, plumose whip-like subapical lobes (figs 7 G – H).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B24FF94FF0DC62E4E51DAF1.taxon	description	(figs 8 – 9)	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B24FF94FF0DC62E4E51DAF1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: frons yellowish brown, face yellow, concave, lateral margins covered with yellowish setulae and 6 – 7 longer setulae near genal seta, scutum greyish, thoracic setae yellowish translucent with annular black base, wings predominantly black with many hyaline spots and indentations, generally larger in males than females, vein R 1 without setulae on dorsal side below Sc break, cell r 1 with 2 hyaline indentations and cell r 2 + 3 with a large hyaline spot below them forming an inverted hyaline triangle, cell r 1 without a hyaline subapical spot, abdomen reddish brown with transverse black bands on each tergite, narrower and shorter on tergites I and II. Oviscape setulose, shiny black and triangular, aculeus basally broader and tip sharp chisel shaped. Glans with two sharp apical spines with an L-shaped emargination dorsally and base of apical spines encircled by a broad membrane. This species is sexually dimorphic, with the wing broader and the hyaline spots and indentations generally larger in males than in females. This is particularly noticeable in cell m, where the anterior basal spot and posterior indentation in females unite or almost unite to form an elongate indentation (at most faintly separated) in males. Pterostigma and cell br with or without a small circular hyaline spot in males, pterostigmal spot absent in females (cf. Figs 8 C & D, Bezzi 1913 [male], Munro 1947 [male], Wang 1998 [female]). It differs from P. spathuliniforma in lacking a second, small hyaline spot along side vein R 2 + 3 in cell r 2 + 3 below the indentations in cell r 1.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B24FF94FF0DC62E4E51DAF1.taxon	description	Female Genitalia: Oviscape 0.74 mm long, setulose, shiny black and triangular (fig. 8 E), aculeus 1.01 mm long, basally broader and apically slightly curved (fig. 9 A). Eversible membrane 0.97 mm long, spicules on distal part broad and keel shaped with 1 – 4 sharp projections at apex (fig. 9 B). Two rows of elongated spicules medially on apical portion of aculeus (9 C). Tip of aculeus chisel shaped, sharper at apex (fig. 9 E). Spermatheca melon shaped, slightly broader at base (fig. 9 D), with tubular projections apically. Male Genitalia: Epandrium depressed keel shaped or roundish triangular in posterior view, with 10 – 15 setae on rim. Epandrium higher than proctiger, latter setose. Lateral surstylus longer than medial surstylus, the latter apically terminated with 2 brownish and blunt prensisetae. Anterior lobe of lateral surstylus shoe shaped and longer than posterior lobe (figs 9 F & G), the latter broad and triangular with longer setae. Aedeagus 1.65 mm long excluding glans (0.15 mm), the latter with two sharp apical spines with L-shaped emargination dorsally (figs 9 I & J). Base of apical spines encircled by broad preputial membrane (fig. 9 I).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B24FF94FF0DC62E4E51DAF1.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 8 ♂ & 6 ♀, on Punica sp., INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Rajgarh, Sirmaur, 24. vi. 2023, Maneesh Leg. Voucher specimens with the first author.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B24FF95FF0DC33C48CDDF9B.taxon	discussion	Two species of Pliomelaena were described from India, P. zonogastra (Bezzi) and P. udhampurensis Agarwal & Kapoor, the latter synonymised with P. spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) by Hancock (2007 a), while a third previously included species, Pliomelaena quadrimaculata Agarwal & Kapoor, was transferred to genus Quadrimelaena Hancock by Hancock (2004). Pliomelaena is characterized by yellowish translucent setae on head and thorax, lateral margins of face with distinct setulae, flagellum yellowish, shorter than face, pubescent, slightly dorsoapically curved, arista lightly plumose, greyish thorax, stubby white anepimeral seta, fore femora with a ventrolateral row of 5 – 7 yellow setae, hind tibia with a lateral row of yellow setulae, cells bc and c hyaline except narrow infuscation in cell c, setulae absent on dorsal side of vein R 1 below sc break, cells r 1 and r 2 + 3 with 3 hyaline indentations near vein R 1, more or less forming an inverted triangle often with a small circular indentation connected to it in cell r 2 + 3, apical marginal hyaline indentation in cell r 4 + 5 and 3 marginal hyaline indentations in cell m. Abdomen usually yellowish with narrow or broad black bands, oviscape black and shorter than abdomen, and glans of phallus with a pair of apical spines (fig. 9 J). Key characters of setulae absent on dorsal side of vein R 1 below sc break, cells r 1 and r 2 + 3 with 3 hyaline indentations near vein R 1, more or less forming an inverted triangle, apical marginal hyaline indentation in cell r 4 + 5 and 3 marginal hyaline indentations in cell m appear consistent based on examination of long series of specimens. Variability in wing pattern is often a result of sexual dimorphism rather than specific separation, as discussed below.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3BFF95FF0DC4604EE4DDB1.taxon	discussion	Tribe Schistopterini is characterized by the presence of preocellar setae, erect white setulae on body, often longer flagellum with stout setulose arista, Sc break with cleft, wing with a radiating pattern and often with bullae, and glans often elongate and tubular. Phylogeny of tribe Schistopterini was discussed by Freidberg (2002), who suggested the presence of many undescribed species. Six species have been recorded previously from India, placed in three genera: 3 in Rhabdochaeta de Meijere, viz. R. pulchella de Meijere, R. gladifera Hering and R. nigroapicalis David, Hancock & Sachin, plus Calloptera asteria (Hendel), Rhochmopterum venustum (de Meijere) and R. malaviyai Nikhil, David & Hancock (Agarwal & Sueyoshi 2005; David et al. 2022 b; Nikhil et al. 2025; Singh et al. 2025). Below we describea new Himalayan species of Rhabdochaeta that possibly includes records of R. pulchella from Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh noted by Singh et al. (2025).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3BFF95FF0DC2E64E40DE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Similar to P. zonogastra but circular hyaline spot in pterostigma weakly present in females and distinct in males, medial stripe in cell c very faint in males, hyaline triangle in cells r 1 and r 2 + 5 with an additional, small circular spot alongside vein R 2 + 3 in cell r 2 + 3, and both sexes with a small circular hyaline indentation in cell br (figs 10 E & F). Abdomen reddish brown with transverse black bands on each tergite, diffuse on tergites I & II, narrower and almost separated medially on tergite V in males (fig. 11 B), the latter with 12 marginal yellow setae. Mostly resembles P. zonogastra but can be differentiated by the extra circular hyaline spot in cell r 2 + 3, shape of spermathecae and spicules on distal eversible membrane and apical spines on glans wider apart than in P. zonogastra, where they form an almost L-shaped curve on inner side (fig. 9 J). P. udhampurensis Agarwal & Kapoor, 1988 was synonymised with P. spathuliniforma by Hancock (2007 a) and, apart from slight variation in the shape of the hyaline indentations in cell cu 1, is essentially inseparable, sharing both the extra spot in cell r 2 + 3 and the very faint medial stripe in cell c in males.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3BFF95FF0DC2E64E40DE9E.taxon	description	Female Genitalia: Oviscape shiny black, triangular, 0.91 mm long. Aculeus 1.41 mm long, apically with 6 – 7 rows of spicules and tip chisel shaped, sharper at apex (fig. 11 E). Eversible membrane 1.5 mm long, spicules on distal eversible membrane irregularly triangular with 1 apical projection (fig. 11 G). Spermathecae melon shaped, apically broad, lightly papillate with narrow tubular projections. Male Genitalia: Epandrium mostly horseshoe shaped in posterior view with long setae on dorsoposterior margin (fig. 11 H). Epandrium higher than proctiger, the latter setose, anterior lobe of lateral surstylus longer than posterior lobe and latter mostly quadrate at apex with long setae. Anterior lobes of lateral surstylus shoe shaped and medially confluent with each other (figs 11 H & I). Aedeagus 2.75 mm long excluding glans (0.34 mm) of phallus, latter with a pair of apical spines broadly opened anteriorly (fig. 11 J). Apical spines basally encircled by broad membrane (fig. 11 J).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3BFF95FF0DC2E64E40DE9E.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 10 ♂ & 12 ♀ on Punica sp., INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Rajgarh, Sirmaur, 24. vi. 2023, Maneesh Leg. Voucher specimens at Zoological Survey of India (High Altitude Regional Centre (HARC), Solan, Himachal Pradesh) and some specimen with first author.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3EFF93FF0DC2E648CCDD94.taxon	type_taxon	Type species: Rhabdochaeta pulchella de Meijere, 1904: 109.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3EFF93FF0DC2E648CCDD94.taxon	discussion	This genus is characterized by long, dagger like dorsally curved flagellum almost the width of compound eyes, interfrontal setae present, anterior frontal setae usually broad, striated and lamellate, palpi usually long-fringed with stout black setulae, scutum with erect white setae in addition to usual setae, dorsocentral setae anterior to postsutural supra-alar setae, prescutellar acrostichal setae anterior to intra-alar setae, wing with cleft at Sc break, brown to dark brown bullae, dark to white rays on costal and apical margins, vein M with distinct apical curve beyond dm-cu crossvein and abdomen with whitish setulae and lacking erect setae.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3EFF93FF0DC0304C4FDFE5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: A small (3.12 mm) species characterized by concave face with a medial black spot, triangular black patch on facial margin, circular black spot between anterior frontal setae and compound eye, flagellum almost as long as width of compound eye, scutum darker with yellowish postsutural lateral vittae and yellowish subtriangular patch before scutellum. Stout, curved, long and erect white apical scutellar setae. Wing with black and white rays anteriorly and 8 bullae centrally. Abdomen yellowish with black bands on each tergite, oviscape yellow with basal and apical black bands. Aculeus basally broader and medially curved like a long melon. R. drewi Maneesh & Hancock, sp. nov. is similar to R. pulchella de Meijere and R. gladifera Hering in general appearance but can be differentiated by having 2 dark oval bullae in cell r 2 + 3, basal white spots in cell m, white rays between each black ray in cells r 1 and r 2 + 3, 6 – 7 circular hyaline indentations in cell cu 1, thorax with lateral postsutural yellowish vittae, black scutum and by erect curved and thicker apical setulae on scutellum rather than long and thinner white setulae. Oviscape with black band and aculeus tip chisel shaped without triangular apical portion present in R. pulchella and R. gladifera (cf. David et al. 2022 b fig. 38). Rhabdochaeta drewi sp. nov. is also similar R. mucronata Hering, R. bakeri Bezzi and R. assidua Ito in general appearance; however, Hardy and Drew (1996) synonymised all three species with R. pulchella based on examination of numerous specimens and types, but Hancock et al. (2021) treated R. mucronata as distinct; it also differs from R. drewi in wing pattern details (cf. Freidberg 2002 fig. H; Hancock et al. 2021 fig. 90). Based on observations by Hardy (1973 fig. 141; 1974 fig. 120), R. bakeri also lacks basal white spots in cell m, has a fulvous abdomen and triangular apex of aculeus, clearly suggesting it is R. pulchella. Hardy & Drew (1996) synonymized R. bakeri based on series of specimens and aculeus shape & length (triangular at apex and narrow basally: cf. Hardy 1973 fig. 141 a; Hardy 1974 fig. 120 d), also suggesting that it is possibly variation in R. pulchella. However, if R. bakeri is assumed to be distinct from R. pulchella then it can also be separated from R. drewi sp. nov. by its face, scutum, abdomen, shape & length of aculeus. Rhabdochaeta drewi sp. nov. can be differentiated from R. bakeri by triangular black spots on facial carina & a circular black spot just above it, scutum darker with two lateral yellowish orange vittae & prescutellar triangular spot, narrower marginal fuscous & white rays on wing, broader hyaline indentations in cell m, abdomen brownish with broad black bands, smaller aculeus, melon shaped, basally broad and with medial curvature which is longer, basally narrower & apically almost triangular in R. bakeri (cf. Hardy 1973 fig. 141 a; Hardy 1974 fig. 120 d).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3EFF93FF0DC0304C4FDFE5.taxon	description	Hardy and Drew (1996) discussed the variation in the abdominal pattern and black basal band on oviscape but shape of aculeus and spicules on distal eversible membrane clearly separates R. drewi from R. pulchella. Most Indian Rhabdochaeta have aculeus with triangular apical portion with lateral node like prominent constrictions on lateral margins (David et al. 2022 b). Such constrictions are less prominent in R. gladifera but apical portion triangular and tip of aculeus rounded. Head: Pale yellowish, frons slightly darker above lunule, ocellar triangle yellow-brown, antennae 0.65 mm long pubescent and yellowish, scape with 1 stubby white and 2 – 3 black setulae dorsally, pedicel with 4 – 6 black setulae dorsally, flagellum (0.44 mm) elongate, slightly curved dorsally, pointed apically (fig. 12 B), arista yellowish, shiny and densely pubescent. Circular supraoccular black spot just below stubby white frontal seta and a broad triangular black spot on either side of facial margin (fig. 12 B). Face concave between carina and oral margin with a medial black spot (fig. 12 B). Palpi elongate and fringed with stout black setulae resembling a chainsaw. Setae: 3 outer frontal (anterior small and stubby white, posterior longer, striated and lamellate), 1 inner frontal (stubby white), 2 orbital (translucent and lightly lamellate), 2 vertical (inner longer and slightly lamellate, outer vestigial), 1 preocellar (lamellate and white), 1 ocellar (stubby white), 2 postocellar (stubby white, medial longer than ocellar seta), 7 – 8 stout black and 2 – 3 stubby white postocular, 6 genal (1 black and 5 whitish translucent), postgena with dense black as well as white setulae (fig. 12 B). Thorax: Covered with stubby white erect setulae, dull black except postpronotal lobe, notopleuron, postsutural lateral vittae, scutellum and triangular patch on scutum just before scutellum yellow-brown. Erect white setulae as follows: 1 scapular and 4 just behind scapular, 2 just behind suture either side, 2 at apex of yellow prescutellar patch and 2 prescutellar behind prescutellar acrostichals. Erect white setae also present on scutellum: 1 above basal and 1 over apical setae, those over apical pair longer (0.44 mm) and stout. Postsutural lateral vittae end well before intra-alar setae, suture slightly brownish (fig. 12 C). Pleura yellowish brown with black patches and covered with black and yellowish setulae, subscutellum, mediotergite, anepisternal stripe, anepimeron, katerpisternum, katatergite and anatergite dull black (fig. 12 E). Setae: 1 – 2 postpronotal (2 on right side), 2 notopleural (posterior black and smaller than anterior), 1 presutural supra-alar (black), 1 postsutural supra-alar (yellowish), 1 dorsocental (anterior to postsutural supra-alar), 1 prescutellar acrostichal, 1 postalar, 2 scutellar (apical very small), 1 anepisternal, 1 anepimeral, 1 katepisternal. All legs yellowish except fore femora with 1 ring-like black patch and a row of 3 – 5 setae on ventrolateral side (apical 2 setae black, the rest white) (fig. 12 A), mid and hind femora with 2 black ring-like patches basally and apically, hind tibiae with apical black ring like-patch and row of 6 – 7 setulae on lateral side. Wing (fig. 12 F) 3.09 mm long, hyaline with brownish rays and dark brownish bullae. Cell bc hyaline, humeral crossvein black apically, cell c with narrow black longitudinal line in middle, Sc break black and cell sc with black longitudinal line. Cell r 1 with 3 brown rays filled with whitish indentation and 2 white rays, the first brown ray confluent with vein R 1. Cell r 2 + 3 with 3 brown and 1 white rays, cell r 4 + 5 with 1 incomplete and 1 complete brown rays confluent with vein R 4 + 5. Vein M with a brown ray, cell m with 4 black fulvous rays, the posterior ray broader and confluent with vein Cu 1. Cell cu 1 largely fulvous to brown with numerous hyaline spots and 3 marginal hyaline indentations. All rays white-filled atleast basally except rays not connected to others in cells r 4 + 5 and m and in cell cu 1. Central portion of wing brown with 7 distinct dark brown bullae and posterior portion in cell cu 1 and anal lobe with many small circular hyaline indentations. Bullae as follows: 2 oval shaped in cell r 2 + 3, 2 in cell r 4 + 5 (the anterior one with tiny apical pale spots), 1 almost circular in cell m just below vein M curve, 2 in cell dm (the anterior one larger, oval and shiny below r-m crossvein and the other irregular shaped at base of bm-cu crossvein) and 1 small oval shaped in front of cell bcu in cell cu 1. There are several circular hyaline or pale spots plus whiter spots surrounded by brown patches in cells br, r 4 + 5, dm and m. Abdomen: All abdominal tergites yellowish and setose with whitish setulae, each tergite with lateral transverse black bands narrowing at margins. Bands almost connected medially leaving narrow yellowish area except on tergites IV and V, where yellow area broader (fig. 13 A). Black and white setae (inner 2 black, outer 6 whitish) on posterior margin of tergite VI. Genitalia: Oviscape 0.78 mm long, yellowish with broad basal and narrow apical black bands, aculeus 0.77 mm long, melon shaped, basally broad and with medial curvature (fig. 13 B). Tip of aculeus chisel shaped, sharper at apex. Spicules on distal eversible membrane irregularly oval and widely spaced. Two distinct types of spicules present on mid eversible membrane: stout triangular and semicircular, both types tightly spaced (fig. 13 D). Spermathecae not examined.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3EFF93FF0DC0304C4FDFE5.taxon	materials_examined	Type Material: Holotype ♀, Solan Bait, INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Solan, Nauni, 30 ° 51 ’ 47 ” N 77 ° 10 ’ 7 ” E. 03. vii. 2023, Maneesh Leg. at Zoological Survey of India (High Altitude Regional Centre (HARC), Solan, Himachal Pradesh). Paratype 1 ♀, same data as holotype.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B3EFF93FF0DC0304C4FDFE5.taxon	etymology	Etymology: This species is named after Prof. R. A. I. Drew for his tremendous contributions to the work of Tephritidae.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B33FF9EFF0DC5194EDCDB39.taxon	discussion	Tribe Tephrellini is characterized by shiny black body and black wings with distinct hyaline indentations or broad spots and often with shiny, light reflecting spots (argents). It is represented by 12 species in 6 genera in India, three in Metasphenisca Hendel, one in Tephraciura Hering, one in Aciura Robineau-Desvoidy, four in Pristaciura Hendel, two in Sphaeniscus Becker and one in Tephrella Bezzi (Agarwal & Sueyoshi; 2005; Hancock 2010; Maneesh & Prabhakar, 2025; this paper). Species of Tephrellini are mostly associated with Acanthaceae, Lamiaceae and verbenaceae, with Barleria sp. (Acanthaceae) a major host in India.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B30FF98FF0DC31F48CDDFCB.taxon	type_taxon	Type species Metasphenisca gracilipes (Loew).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B30FF98FF0DC31F48CDDFCB.taxon	discussion	Metasphenisca Hendel was discussed by Hancock (1990, 1991 & 2010) and includes African as well as Indian species. Only two species were recorded previously from the Indian subcontinent, M. nigricans (Wiedemann) and M. reinhardi (Wiedemann). Metasphenisca bifaria (Munro) was synonymized with M. nigricans by Hancock (2007 b). The genus can be identified by its inverted U-shaped lunule, longer than length of scape, flagellum dorsally pubescent, outer vertical seta shorter than inner and stubby white, scutum shiny black, predominantly black wing with anterior and posterior elongate hyaline indentations, narrow costal band connected to black cell sc, elongate argents, narrow wing base, apical scutellar setae usually smaller than basal and tubular opening of glans.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B30FF98FF0DC16F4F88DE7D.taxon	description	(figures 14 – 16)	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B30FF98FF0DC16F4F88DE7D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: A medium sized (4.19 mm) species with 3 frontal setae, 2 orbital setae, full complement of thoracic setae, apical scutellar setae smaller than basal, all setae yellowish brownish, wings black with a broad longitudinal basal hyaline band separated from costa by a complete black margin, 2 broadly triangular anterior and 3 narrowly elongate posterior hyaline indentations, apical margin of wing rounded with a slight emargination at apex of vein M. Legs yellowish, mid and hind femora with black rectangular patched ventrally. Oviscape with apical half reddish brown. Glans with tubular preputium at apex and apically curved membranous subapical lobe. Metasphenisca snehae Maneesh, sp. nov. appears similar to M. reinhardi (Wiedemann), M. pallidifemur Hancock and M. nigricans (Wiedemann) in general appearance. It can be differentiated from M. nigricans by 3 posterior hyaline indentations on wing and yellow legs, whereas M. nigricans has only two posterior hyaline indentations and black femora, and from M. reinhardi by yellower legs, shorter oviscape and narrower posterior hyaline indentations, whereas M. reinhardi has the oviscape longer than abdomen, generally blacker femora and the basal posterior hyaline indentation on the wing broader and less that its own width from the medial indentation. It can be differentiated from the Madagascan M. pallidifemur by black abdomen, black patches on mid and hind femora and shorter posterior hyaline indentations, whereas the posterior indentations crossvein Cu 1 and the dm-cu crossvein in M. pallidifemur (cf. Hancock 1991 fig. 1).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B30FF98FF0DC16F4F88DE7D.taxon	description	Head: Head pale fulvous except front and lunule comparatively darker, ocellar triangle dark, lunule inverted U-shaped, lateral margins of frons with row of yellowish setulae (fig. 14 B), antennae 0.55 mm long, flagellum dorsoapically rounded and pubescent, lighter in colour, arista lightly plumose, scape and pedicel with black dorsal setulae. Face yellowish, minute setulae at lateral margins (fig. 14 C), Palpi with black setulae and labella with yellowish setulae. Oral fossa margin fringed with black setulae and postocciput with long yellowish setae. Setae: 3 frontal, 2 orbital, 1 ocellar, 2 vertical (inner longer and yellowish, outer short and stubby white), 3 stubby white postocellar (inner longer), 10 – 12 stubby white postocular (4 – 5 black setulae between each stubby white seta), 1 genal (genal area with 5 – 6 small yellow setae around genal seta). Thorax: Thorax entirely black, dorsally with greyish metallic hue dorsally except postpronotal lobe and area below it, area around posterior notopleural seta and above it, slight portion of post-alar calli, reddish brown. Scutellum greyish black except two small reddish brown spots around basal scutellar setae. Small shiny setulae present on scutellum around each scutellar seta. Subscutellum, mediotergite, katatergite, anatergite and haltere black. Full complement of thoracal setae and apical scutellar setae smaller than basal: 1 postpronotal, 2 notopleural, 1 presutural supra-alar, 1 postsutural supra-alar, 1 dorsocentral, 1 postalar, 1 intra-alar, 1 prescutellar acrostichal, 2 scutellar, 1 anepisternal, 1 anepimeral and 1 katepisternal seta. All setae yellowish brown. Legs yellowish, pubescent with black setulae, fore femora slightly paler than others and with 3 rows of 5 – 7 setae, 2 dorsolateral and 1 ventrolateral (setae longer in ventrolateral row). Mid tibiae with apical black spine surrounded by 4 – 5 small spines. Mid and hind femora with black rectangular patch on ventral surface (fig. 15 D). Wing 3.68 mm long, black except a basal hyaline band separated from costa by a complete black margin and 5 indentations, 2 broadly triangular in cell r 1, one in front of vein R 1 confluent with cell sc and extending posteriorly to vein R 4 + 5 and second extending into cell r 4 + 5 near r-m crossvein and 3 posterior, 2 in cell cu 1 confluent with vein Cu 1 and 1 in cell m confluent with dm-cu crossvein. Basal posterior indentation narrow, separated from smaller medial indentation by more than its own width. Costal band arched in cell c and broader in cells sc and bc. Vein R 4 + 5 sparsely setose, Y-shaped wing fold present at apex of cell r 4 + 5 (fig. 15 A). Wing rounded apically with shallow emargination or concavity at vein M; 3 – 4 pairs of argents present, 2 elongate below veins R 2 + 3 and R 4 + 5, 2 either side of r-m crossvein, 2 in front of bm-cu crossvein and 1 or 2 below Sc break in cells r 1 and r 2 + 3. Abdomen: Urn shaped, shiny black and setose with pale yellowish setulae. Lateral margins of tergites I and II reddish brown, oviscape black except apical half reddish brown, as long as tergites III – VI combined (fig. 15 B). Tergite VI longer than V in female. Lateral margins of tergites with moderately sized setae, tergite V of male longer than tergite IV, sternite V of male with V shaped deep posterior concavity (fig. 15 E). Female Genitalia: Oviscape (1.06 mm) basally black and apically reddish brown, eversible membrane 1.74 mm long with tightly packed triangular spicules on distal eversible membrane, with 4 – 5 small projections. Aculeus 1.94 mm long, spear shaped (fig. 16 A), tip rounded. Two spermathecae, brownish fulvous, melon shaped with apical rounded papilla and surface of spermatheca rough with rounded, knob like projections (fig. 16 F). Male Genitalia: Epandrium almost circular in posterior view (fig. 16 G), setose and higher than proctiger. Both lobes of lateral surstylus equally long and rounded at apex with 5 setae at inner side (fig. 16 G). Lateral surstylus longer than medial and latter terminates in dark brown prensisetae. Aedeagus 2.53 mm long excluding glans (0.23 mm). Acrophallus with well developed basal sclerite and preputium with narrow tubular opening surrounded by circular sclerite (fig. 16 I). Subapical lobe membranous and curved apically, vesica hook like and curved ventrally (fig. 16 I).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B30FF98FF0DC16F4F88DE7D.taxon	materials_examined	Type Material: Holotype ♀, ex Barleria sp., INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Solan, Nauni, 30 ° 51 ’ 47 ” N 77 ° 10 ’ 7 ” E. 30. iv. 2024, Maneesh Leg. In Zoological Survey of India (High Altitude Regional Centre (HARC), Solan, Himachal Pradesh). Paratypes 8 ♀ & 10 ♂ same data as holotype (some of paratypes with first author). Paratype 1 ♀, on Barleria sp., INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Solan, Nauni, 30 ° 51 ’ 47 ” N 77 ° 10 ’ 7 ” E. 21. iii. 2023, Sneha Leg. specimen with first author, Solan, Himachal Pradesh.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B30FF98FF0DC16F4F88DE7D.taxon	etymology	Etymology: Named after first author’s colleague, Sharma Sneha.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B30FF98FF0DC16F4F88DE7D.taxon	biology_ecology	Host: Barleria sp. (Acanthaceae); infests pods.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B36FF98FF0DC4334E1EDD35.taxon	discussion	Tribe Terelliini is poorly represented in India and mostly occurs in the northern region. Three genera, Chaetostomella Hendel, Craspedoxantha Bezzi and Terellia Robineat-Desvoidy are so far recorded, with six species (Agarwal and Sueyoshi 2005; Singh et al. 2025): Chaetostomella is represented by only one species i. e. C. completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), two in Crespedoxantha and three in Terellia.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B36FF99FF0DC5134944DADD.taxon	discussion	This genus is characterized by greenish yellow body, long setae on lateral side of face anterior to genal seta, thorax with large black lyrate-like mark or marks, scutellum often with apical black spot, wings with fuscous narrow bands and abdomen often with paired medial black spots on posterior tergites. Epandrium oval in posterior view, anterior and posterior lobes of lateral surstylus rounded at apex and mostly joined. Glans of phallus with well developed acrophallus, basal lobe, subapical lobe and anterior spines over preputial cavity.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B37FF99FF0DC33B4FA4DC07.taxon	description	(figures 17 – 18)	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B37FF99FF0DC33B4FA4DC07.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: This species was described well by Kapoor et al. (1979) except for post-abdominal structures. Medium sized (4.8 mm) greenish yellow species with distinct pattern on thorax and abdomen. Frons slightly brownish, longer than broad, face yellow, head setae well developed with 3 frontal and 2 black setae anterior to genal seta apart from several setulae, flagellum yellowish, mostly laterally flat and arista lightly plumose. Thorax with 6 black stripes; 2 medial, 1 presutural and 1 postsutural on either side forming a lyrate-like pattern (fig. 17 B). Scutellum with apical black spot. Full complement of thoracic setae and presutural acrostichals with black base. All legs yellowish, densely setulose, fore femora with 2 rows of black setulae on dorsal side and a row of black setae on ventrolateral side, wings (4.55 mm) hyaline with faint fulvous bands. Cells bc, c and sc infuscated and cell c with hyaline indentation at Sc break. Apical band confluent with cell m, connected to cubital band in cell r 1 and with a small hyaline indentation apically. Discal band connected to subbasal band. Abdomen oval, greenish yellow with a pair of median black spots on each tergite except I & II.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B37FF99FF0DC33B4FA4DC07.taxon	description	Female Genitalia: Oviscape fulvous brown, setulose and 0.59 mm long, Aculeus 1.9 mm long, chisel shaped and rounded at apex with 3 preapical setae (fig. 17 E). Eversible membrane 2.1 mm long with oval spicules on distal end without any projections (fig. 18 A). Spermathecae not examined. Male Genitalia: Epandrium oval in posterior view, setulose and with 4 stout long setae on posterodorsal side (figs 18 B & C), proctiger setose and higher than epandrium. Anterior and posterior lobes of lateral surstylus almost equal in length with blunt round apex fringed with 5 – 8 yellow setae. Medial surstylus shorter than lateral, with 2 yellow setae on inner side (fig. 18 C) and terminating in blunt, brownish presnsisetae. Aedeagus 2.64 mm long excluding glans (0.31 mm). Glans with well sclerotized acrophallus, basal lobe membranous and subapical lobe anchor shaped and shorter than vesica. Preputium with dorsal and ventral pairs of spines (fig. 18 E), the ventral pair with apical setulae.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B37FF99FF0DC33B4FA4DC07.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined: 7 ♀ & 10 ♂, ex Cirsium sp., INDIA, Himachal Pradesh, Solan, Nauni, 30 ° 51 ’ 47 ” N 77 ° 10 ’ 7 ” E. 26. vi. 2022, Maneesh Leg. In Zoological Survey of India (High Altitude Regional Centre (HARC), Solan, Himachal Pradesh) and some specimens with first author.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B37FF99FF0DC33B4FA4DC07.taxon	biology_ecology	Host: Cirsium sp. (Asteraceae).	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B37FF99FF0DC33B4FA4DC07.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh (India) and Nepal.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
039B87BA6B37FF99FF0DC33B4FA4DC07.taxon	discussion	Remark: Chaetostomella completa breeds in flower heads of Cirsium sp. and potentially regulates this weed population in northern India. Specimens examined are uniform in appearance but males lack a hyaline indentation at the connection of apical and cubital bands in cell r 1.	en	Singh, Maneesh Pal, Hancock, David Lawrence (2025): Five new species of subfamily Tephritinae (Tephritidae: Diptera) from Himalayas and description of postabdominal structures in Chaetostomella completa (Kapoor, Malla & Ghosh), Pliomelaena spathuliniforma (Dirlbek & Dirlbek) and P. zonogastra (Bezzi). Zootaxa 5689 (2): 299-332, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5689.2.4
