Megaselia steptoeae new species (Figs. 29, 61, 91, 123)

Diagnosis. Male. In the group III key of Borgmeier (1964), M. steptoeae keys to couplet 13 where it can readily be distinguished from both M. scopalis Brues and M. renata Borgmeier. M. steptoeae lacks the forceps-like epandrial process and strong anipisternal bristle of M. scopalis . M. steptoeae is differentiated easily from M. renata by the structure of the genitalia. In M. renata, the epandrium has a triangular notch near the rear margin and numerous stout bristles near the lower margin of the epandrium; M. steptoeae lacks such a notch and has few bristles arranged in a more-or-less vertical row on the epandrium (Fig. 91).

Description. See Table 7.

Distribution. Los Angeles, California (USA).

Etymology. Named in honor of LaChristian Steptoe, host of BioSCAN site 10.

Biology. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂, USA: CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, Los Feliz, 4–11.IV.2014, Louie, Malaise trap (LACM 329834).

Paratypes. 4 ♂, USA: CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, Koreatown, 5–12.IV.2014, Ralph, Malaise trap (LACM 329835, LACM 329836, 2 CUMZ)

Additional Material Examined. USA: CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles: Exposition Park, Los Feliz, Silverlake, Leimert Park, Koreatown, Mid-City, Elysian Park, Gardena, Hollywood, Glendale, Larchmont, Carthay, Echo Park, Eagle Rock, Pico-Union, Highland Park, 45 ♂, I–V.2014, Malaise traps (LACM, MCZC, USNM).