Megaselia sacatelensis new species (Figs. 26, 58, 88, 119)

Diagnosis. Male. In the group VIII key of Borgmeier (1966), M. sacatelensis keys to M. longipennis Malloch which was described from females only (1912). Borgmeier examined many specimens of both sexes that he designated as M. longipennis . Closer examination reveals that it is almost certain this material contains multiple species. M. sacatelensis has a characteristic coloration (Fig. 26), which does exhibit variation but is recognizable in pattern in over 100 specimens observed, unlike the generally varied coloration Borgmeier noted for M. longipennis . Additionally, the halteres on M. sacatelensis are dusky yellow, almost a light brown, in contrast to the “pale yellow” halteres described by Borgmeier (1966). Lastly, M. sacatelensis has a characteristic hypandrium with two darkened and elongate processes (Fig. 119) that fold over each other when the genitalia are withdrawn (Fig 88). Again, slide mounting of specimens is absolutely essential with Megaselia to eliminate errors and redundancy.

Description. See Table 7.

Distribution. Los Angeles, California (USA).

Etymology. Named in honor of Sacatela Creek that historically ran by the Los Angeles Ecovillage, home of BioSCAN site 11.

Biology. Unknown.

Holotype. ♂, USA: CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, Los Feliz, 31.V.2014 – 14.VI.2014, Pisano, Malaise trap (LACM 329826).

Paratypes. ♂, USA: CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, Koreatown, 5–12.IV.2014, Ralph, Malaise trap (LACM 329827). 3 ♂, USA: CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles, Gardena, 28.VI.2014 – 5.VII.2014, Defibaugh, Malaise trap (LACM 329828, 2 CUMZ).

Additional Material Examined. USA: CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles: Exposition Park, Los Feliz, Silverlake, Elysian Valley, Koreatown, Mid-City, Glendale, Gardena, Hollywood, Larchmont, Burbank, Atwater Village, Eagle Rock, Mid-Wilshire, 80 ♂, I–V.2014, Malaise traps (LACM, MCZC, USNM).