Nirican Invertebrates African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023) DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 The Diptera of Lesotho: a history of collecting in the Mountain Kingdom, summary of recent collecting sites and introduction to the topical collection in African Invertebrates John M. Midgley'”®, Burgert S. Muller?®, Genevieve L. Theron'’®, Mpho Phoofolo*®, Terence A. Bellingan?*®, Kurt Jordaens®® nD oo FP WO NYP KwaZulu-Natal Museum, Department Natural Sciences, 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, 3201, South Africa Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda, 6139, South Africa Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, National Museum, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa Department of Biology, National University of Lesotho, Roma, Lesotho Albany Museum, Department of Entomology and Arachnology, 40 Somerset Street, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa Royal Museum for Central Africa, Invertebrates Section, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium Corresponding author: John M. Midgley (jmidgley@nmsa.org.za) OPEN Qaccess This article is part of: The Diptera of Lesotho Edited by John Midgley, Burgert Muller, Genevieve Theron, Kurt Jordaens Academic editor: Kirstin Williams Received: 27 June 2023 Accepted: 17 August 2023 Published: 18 September 2023 ZooBank: https://zoobank. org/3CC8AEEE-2389-451 1-8DBB- CDCEBA8A5457 Citation: Midgley JM, Muller BS, Theron GL, Phoofolo M, Bellingan TA, Jordaens K (2023) The Diptera of Lesotho: a history of collecting in the Mountain Kingdom, summary of recent collecting sites and introduction to the topical collection in African Invertebrates. African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220. https://doi.org/10.3897/ Afrinvertebr.64.108525 Copyright: © John M. Midgley et al. This is an open access article distributed under terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (Attribution 4.0 International - CC BY 4.0). Abstract The Kingdom of Lesotho in southern Africa is entirely bordered by South Africa, with which it shares many geological and vegetation types, but the vast extent of alpine vegetation and high altitudes suggests that differences in insect diversity should be expected. Globally, the Diptera are one of the most diverse orders of insects, though biodiversity estimates for the order are lacking for many regions. Here, we present a summary of the limited historical Diptera collections from Lesotho, summarise our col- lecting expeditions in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and provide photographs and descriptions of the collecting sites. This paper is the first of a series of papers in a Topical Collection of the Diptera of Lesotho in African Invertebrates. We hope to stimulate more research on Afrotropical Diptera and to improve their conservation in Lesotho in particular. Key words: Alpine entomology, biodiversity surveys, conservation, Insecta, southern Af- rica, species checklists, true flies Introduction The Kingdom of Lesotho is a small (30 355 km/?), landlocked country surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. While Lesotho shares most vegetation and habitat types with South Africa, the exception being Western Lesotho Basalt Shrubland (Gd9) (Mucina and Rutherford 2006; SANBI 2006), the country has an average al- titude ~900 m higher than South Africa, suggesting that differences in the fauna and flora may exist. As can be expected due to its smaller size, Lesotho has only 13 different vegetation types, all within the grassland biome, while South Africa has 466 vegetation types across nine biomes (Mucina and Rutherford 2006; SAN- BI 2006). Despite the smaller size, Lesotho’s higher altitude means that alpine vegetation types are much more extensive (e.g., Drakensberg Afroalpine Heath- land) and the country offers habitats for alpine adapted species that are less 207 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho extensive in South Africa (Fig. 1). The eastern border of Lesotho is formed by the Drakensberg escarpment, which rapidly drops in altitude into the South African provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and, in the south west, the Eastern Cape. While small patches of alpine vegetation occur on the South African side of the border, these rapidly transition to mid-altitude vegetation. In the south, high altitude grasslands extend from Lesotho into the Eastern Cape, and in the west and north, highveld grassland and shrubland vegetation types occur on both sides of the border, in Lesotho and the Free State province (Mucina and Rutherford 2006; SANBI 2006). Geologically, the country is similarly limited. The geology is solely comprised of Karoo Supergroup strata, predominantly Drakensberg formation basalts with some exposed sedimentary rocks of the Elliot formation in the river valleys and western lowlands. In the western lowlands, some exposed Tarkastad formation sedimentary rocks and Karoo Dolerite also occur. These four geological types are significantly fewer than the 119 lithographies found in South Africa. This pat- tern is also reflected in the geomorpholgy, with only the Lesotho Highlands and Eastern Escarpment Hinterland geomorphic provinces represented in the coun- try, compared to 43 geomorphic provinces in South Africa (Partridge et al. 2010). While there has been widespread collecting of insects, and Diptera in partic- ular, in South Africa, collecting in Lesotho has been less common (Kirk-Spriggs 2017). The combination of regionally rare habitats and comparative under-sam- pling creates an opportunity for research in Lesotho. With this in mind, three field trips were undertaken: 3 to 14 December 2021, 21 November to 1 Decem- ber 2022 and 21 to 30 January 2023 by the authors of this introductory article to enhance the Diptera collections from Lesotho. To increase collection effort without identifying the material within the col- lections is short-sighted, and so this special collection of articles on the Dip- tera of Lesotho was conceived. This will turn these specimens into published knowledge of the Diptera of Lesotho and promote conservation in the country. We have chosen to initiate this as a collection of articles rather than a special issue, to allow family accounts to be published as they are completed and thus make the knowledge available more rapidly. Historic collections Specimens from Lesotho are in various South African and international col- lections, but large samples are less common. Expeditions to Lesotho were un- dertaken by the Lund Zoological Institute (Hanstr6m 1955), Brian and Pamela Stuckenberg, KwaZulu-Natal Museum (NMSA, South Africa), A. Lionel Bevis, Durban Natural Science Museum (DMSA, South Africa), and Charles Jacot-Guil- larmod, Albany Museum (AMGS, South Africa) (Kirk-Spriggs 2017). One of the first major expeditions to include Lesotho was the “Lund University Swedish South African Expedition” of 1950-51 (Brink 1955; Brink and Rudebeck 1955; Hanstrom 1955; Kirk-Spriggs 2017). Historically, the term “South Africa” has been used to refer to both the Republic of South Africa and (less frequently) the entire Southern African region (e.g., Schultze 1908) and so while the majori- ty of the expedition covered South Africa, collections were also made in Namib- ia (previously South West Africa) and Lesotho (previously Basutoland) and, to a lesser extent, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Zambia (previously Swaziland, Southern Rhodesia or Rhodesia, and Northern Rhodesia) (Brink and Rudebeck 1955). The African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 208 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho expedition entered Lesotho twice, first collecting at Qacha’s Nek before return- ing to South Africa and re-entering near Quthing, where they were based for ten days. From there, the expedition travelled by road to Nazareth. The expedition moved by air to Mokhotlong and collections were undertaken in the high moun- tains on horseback (Brink 1955; Brink and Rudebeck 1955). Twenty-five unde- scribed Diptera species were collected from Lesotho during this expedition, no- tably six Asilidae (Hull 1967), four Empididae (Smith 1967) and three Tipulidae (Alexander 1964), all published in the South African Animal Life series. A.L. Bevis occupied various positions during his tenure at the Durban Muse- um and Art Gallery and travelled to Lesotho multiple times for collecting (see Clancey 1956; Stuckenberg 1956). These trips were multidisciplinary and not focussed on Diptera collecting, but still resulted in the discovery of undescribed species (e.g., Stuckenberg 1956). About 770 specimens were accumulated during these trips and are housed at the DMSA. Brian and Pamela Stuckenberg collected at seven sites in Lesotho in 1963 and 1964. These collections generated 884 specimens. Most of the sites were in western Lesotho, though specimens were also collected on God Help Me Pass (Lekhalong La Molimo Nthuse) (on labels as Bushman’s Pass) and Blue Mountain Pass (Lekhalong La Thaba Putsoa). These expeditions yielded un- described species (e.g. Whittington 1992). Along with other specimens accu- mulated over time, these specimens form the bulk of the collection of approxi- mately 1 100 specimens housed at the NMSA. Charles Jacot-Guillarmod was Entomologist and later Director of the AMGS. His parents ran a trading post in Ha-Masupha (called Mamathes at the time, now Mamathe or Masupha are also used) and he collected many specimens while visiting them. The majority of his collections were of Hymenoptera, but approx- imately 1 500 Diptera specimens from this collection are housed at the AMGS. Recent collecting expeditions Three expeditions were undertaken to Lesotho (Fig. 1) at six sites in 2021, sev- enteen in 2022 and seven in 2023 (Figs 2-29). The primary focus of activity was in the eastern highland regions, though some lowland sites were also visited. Details of these sites are given in Table 1. We focused our collecting on the east- ern highlands for two reasons. Firstly, the highlands in eastern Lesotho are more extensively covered in alpine vegetation elements (Fig. 1). Secondly, western Le- sotho is more densely populated and agricultural pressure is more intense than in eastern Lesotho. This is not to say that environmental degradation is absent from eastern Lesotho. The greatest threats to the environment in all regions of Leso- tho are overgrazing (Fig. 30) and agriculture in, or very close to, riparian zones (Figs 11, 12), which lead to soil erosion (Figs 12, 31). Significant threats from mining activities are also present. In general, these are much less extensive than agricultural activities, but pollution impacts may be carried further by streams and rivers. Conservation planning and management should be aware of these threats, though effective management advice is beyond the scope of this paper. Most collecting was done using sweep netting and hand collecting (Figs 16, 24) but where conditions allowed, Malaise traps were also deployed. Depending on the sites, either Gressitt-and-Gressitt (Fig. 13) or Townes-style (Fig. 20) traps were used. In total, 7 144 specimens were collected in these three expeditions. African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 209 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho Table 1. Collecting sites and coordinates from 2021, 2022 and 2023 in Lesotho. Collecting methods are indicated by: 1— hand and sweep netting, 2— Malaise trapping, 3— light trapping, 4— pan traps. Vegetation types are according to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) and SANBI (2006). District Butha- Buthe Leribe Mafeteng Maseru Mokhotlong Site Name Afriski Lodge Afriski, Malibamatso tributary Moteng Pass Khukhune Roadside drainage gully Motebong Lodge Maletsunyane Falls area Between Roma and St Michaels Blue Mountain Pass, along A3 God Help Me Pass, A3, nr Molimo Nthuse Lodge Koro-Koro Matsaba Nkesi village Roma Trading Post Lodge Semonkong area, A5 Semonkong Lodge, gardens and vegetation St Michaels village Roadside flowers at stream Roadside flowers at swamp Roadside flowers in Khatleli village Expedition(s) | Coordinates 202114, 202214 2022' 2022' 2022' 2021128 2023' 2022! 2023! 2023" 2022' 2022' 2022"4 2023! 2023' 2022' 2021! 2021 2021! 28°49.37'S, 28°43.68'E 28°47.81'S, 28°41.26'E 28°44.76'S, 28°36.01'E 28°44.09'S, 28°25.8'E 29°6.06'S, 28°30.09'E 29°52.63'S, 28°03.22'E 29°26.19'S, 27°41.04'E 29°28.35'S, 28°01.21'E to 29°27.3'S, 27°58.88'E 29°25.39'S, 27°54.33'E 29°29.58'S, 27°39.26'E 29°40.14'S, 27°47.84'E 29°26.59'S, 27°42.22'E 29°53.30'S, 28°06.5'E 29°50.6'S, 28°2.6'E 29-253572 5; 27°40.47'E 29°27.56'S, 29°8.77'E 29°26.37'S, 29°7.94'E 29°16.71'S, 28°56.55'E Vegetation type Drakensberg Afroalpine Heathland (Gd10) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland (Gm4) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland (Gm4) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Western Lesotho Basalt Shrubland (Gd9) Basotho Montane Shrubland (Gm5) Western Lesotho Basalt Shrubland (Gd9) Peri urban garden Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland (Gm4) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 Comments The area around Afriski lodge ranged from degraded to relatively pristine (Fig. 2). There was some grazing evident in places and localised building rubble and litter. The valley in which this tributary lies was relatively pristine, though there was some evidence of grazing (Fig. 3). Moteng Pass is similar to the Malibamatso tributary, but was drier. Some evidence of grazing was present (Fig. 4). The site was in the Khukhune village and badly degraded. Evidence of grazing, alien vegetation (Acacia mearnsii, Eucalyptus sp. and Pyracantha koidzumii) and other habitat modifications was observed (Fig. 5). The area around the Motebong lodge was mostly modified gardens with a large impoundment nearby. Some indigenous elements remained in the area, though there was evidence of grazing (Fig. 6). The area around the view point was mosily agricultural land. Some indigenous elements remain on the periphery (Fig. 7). While the waterfall is in Maseru District, the collection site is in Mafeteng District. The area was moderately grazed. Alien vegetation (Pyracantha koidzumii) was present (Fig. 8). The area was moderately grazed. Alien vegetation was present (Fig. 9). Small patch of indigenous forest. Modified garden with mostly alien vegetation, with some indigenous trees (Fig. 10). Agriculture and grazing were evident. Alien vegetation was present in lower areas. On the steeper slopes the shrubland was more intact, but still grazed (Fig. 11). Fallow agricultural fields in wetland areas. Some alien plants on the steeper slopes (Fig. 12). A highly modified garden site (Fig. 13). A highly modified garden site (Fig. 14). A highly modified garden site (Fig. 15). Grazing and alien vegetation (Acacia mearnsii, Pyracantha koidzumii) was present, though fields with indigenous vegetation were extensive. Human settlement in close proximity to the wetland and stream (Fig. 16). Modified habitat, a culvert under the road. Some grazing was evident (Fig. 17). Modified habitat, a culvert under the road. Some grazing was evident. Roadside flowers next to large puddle. Modified village habitat (Fig. 18). 210 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho District Site Name Sehlabathebe National Park, new lodge Qacha’s Nek Sehlabathebe National Park, old lodge Fallow lands near LetSeng- la-Letsie Quthing LetSeng-la- Letsie Mphaki Cell towers Mphaki Farmers Training Centre Mphaki Roadside Roadside seep/stream Roadside swamp Wetland N of LetSeng-la- Letsie Thaba- Tseka Sani area 3500 m Expedition(s) Coordinates 20231? 2023! 2022! 2022! 2022' 2022174 2022" 2022! 2022! 2022' 2021" LESOTHO 29°52. 71'S; 29°4.45'E 29°52.07'S, 29°F: 1ZE 30°18.54'S, 28°7.98'E 30°18.77'S, 28°10.06'E 30°11.55'S, 28°8.23'E 30°11.60'S, 28°07.83'E SO"13:21/S; 28°08.32'E 30°12.88'S, 28°08.31'E 30°13.69'S, 28°08.44'E 30°1,7.03'S, 28°08.14'E 29°35.05'S, 2O-FAZE. Vegetation type Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (Gd8) Comments Pristine grassland, minimal impact of grazing or alien species (Figs 19, 20). Pristine grassland, minimal impact of grazing or alien species (Fig. 21). Fallow lands with various annual flowers (Fig. 22). Intensely grazed habitat. Very little impact from alien vegetation but degradation due to grazing evident (Fig. 23). Hill top in Mphaki town. Some peri urban development and grazing (Fig. 24). Modified garden with alien vegetation, vegetable gardens and fruit trees (Fig. 25). Relatively pristine site, some evidence of grazing and agriculture (Fig. 26). Relatively pristine site, some evidence of grazing and agriculture. Relatively pristine site, some evidence of grazing and agriculture (Fig. 27). Relatively pristine site, some evidence of grazing and agriculture (Fig. 28). Moderate to extensive evidence of grazing. Degraded habitat (Fig. 29). Sampling localities @ Recent O Historical Lesotho vegetation types [9 Aliwal North Dry Grassland' (9) Basotho Montane Shrubland M9 Drakensberg Afroalpine Heathland (9) Drakensberg-Amathole Afromontane Fynbos? Gi) Eastern Free State Clay Grassland [-) Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland GE Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland (9) Northern Drakensberg Highland Grassland? GE Senqu Montane Shrubland GH Southern Drakensberg Highland Grassland‘ MH ukhahlamba Basalt Grassland® GH Western Lesotho Basalt Shrubland GM Zastron Moist Grassland Figure 1. Map of major collecting sites in Lesotho with vegetation types. White indicates historical collecting sites and red indicates sites from recent expeditions (2021, 2022 and 2023). Vegetation data taken from SANBI (SANBI 2006). Arrows 1-5 indicate vegetation types with extents too small to be clearly visible on the map, as indicated on the legend. African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 211 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho Figures 2-5. Collecting sites during recent expeditions 2 Afriski Mountain Lodge area, looking southwest down the valley. Large areas of grazed but otherwise undisturbed landscape and disturbed piles of building rubble are visible 3 valley land- scape around the tributary of the Malibamatso River, looking southwest from the A1 road. While some grazing is evident, the landscape is otherwise undisturbed 4 view from Moteng Pass on the A1, looking southeast from near the top of the pass. The habitat is drier than surrounding sites 5 gulley in Khukhune village next to the A1. The area is disturbed, with evidence of graz- ing and multiple alien plant species (Acacia mearnsii, Eucalyptus sp. and Pyracantha koidzumii are visible in the photograph). Image capture date December 2012, © Gpogle 2023 Figures 6-9. Collecting sites during recent expeditions 6 Motebong Lodge, looking east. Areas close to the lake are disturbed by fluctuating water levels and increased grazing pressure. Many non-native ornamentals were planted around the lodge 7 Maletsunyane Falls area, sampling area consisted of natural vegetation and is cordoned off with palisade fencing from the surrounding farmlands, protecting it somewhat from overgrazing 8 roadside Pyracantha koidzumii bushes on the A5 between Roma and St Michaels village, looking south. The bushes attract flies, disrupting indigenous pollination networks 9 Blue Mountain Pass, roadside rest stop on A3, moderately grazed, toilet paper and human faeces scattered near the road, less disturbance away from the road. African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 212 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho Figures 10-13. Collecting sites during recent expeditions 10 God Help Me Pass, Molimo Ntuse Lodge area on A3, indige- nous and exotic trees, with grass elements 11 hillside and fields near Koro-Koro village, looking south. Flat lowland areas extensively cultivated and grazed, resulting in erosion as seen in the bottom left of the photograph. Steeper-sloped areas receive less grazing pressure, with small shrubs and other plants surviving 12 fallow and recently ploughed fields at Mat- saba Nkesi, looking west from the A5 road. The dark area in the centre of the image is a seep that has been cultivated. The seep and surrounding areas included many Ranunculus sp. flowers, while the steeper sides have alien vegetation including Pyracantha koidzumii and Rosa rubiginosa 13 malaise trap on the grounds of Roma Trading Post Lodge. The site contained many exotic ornamental plants. Figures 14-17. Collecting sites during recent expeditions 14 Semonkong roadside, brief sampling from shrubs and grasses on verge 15 Semonkong Lodge, mixed indigenous and exotic vegetation with some garden elements 16 seep and grassland at St Michaels village. Some Ranunculus sp. visible in foreground. Alien Acacia mearnsii visible in the background. Note the proximity of the latrine (top right) to the watercourse 17 stream next to the A14. Some grazing and disturbance due to road building. African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 213 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho Figures 18-21. Collecting sites during recent expeditions 18 puddle and flowers in Khatleli village on the A1. Environ- ment is heavily degraded, with agriculture and domestic disturbances evident 19 Sehlabathebe National Park, grassland vegetation near the new lodge and camping area 20 Sehlabathebe National Park, Malaise trap over small stream near new lodge area 21 Sehlabathebe National Park, semi-wetland area near old lodge, sampling from grass and shrubs. Figures 22-25. Collecting sites during recent expeditions 22 fallow field near LetSeng la Letsie (Letsie’s Lake). Diverse annual flowers growing in a highly modified habitat 23 LetSeng la Letsie view looking northwest. The site is the largest water source in the area, providing a suitable environment for livestock and therefore heavily influenced by grazing 24 hill above Mphaki, looking westwards. The site is on the edge of town and has some domestic buildings and other disturbances 25 Mphaki Farmers Training Centre garden. Vegetation is mostly exotic: alien (Cirsium sp. visible), ruderal or agricultural (Juglans sp. and Prunus sp. visible). African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 14 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho Figures 26-29. Collecting sites during recent expeditions 26 steep roadside cutting with exposed rocks and flowering Scenecio sp. Alien species are evident, including Salix sp. growing in riparian zone and Rosa rubiginosa on the steeper slopes 27 seep with Ranunculus sp. flowers. Grazing and other agriculture evident in the image 28 large high-altitude wetland with Ranunculus sp. flowers. Evidence of agriculture is visible in the background 29 Sani Pass area, overgrazing and other human disturbance visible. Figures 30, 31. Evidence of land degradation during recent expeditions 30 high grazing density at LetSeng la Letsie. Cat- tle, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys were observed 31 deep erosion gullies at Koro-Koro. Poor agricultural practices are the primary cause, for example ploughing of fields in the riparian zone (see fields in the background and in figs 11, 12). Scale bar: 1 m (31). African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 215 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho Table 2. Summary of families in major South African Diptera collections, both historic (AMGS, BMSA, DMSA, NMSA) and from recent collection trips (BMSA, NMSA). Higher classification follows Wiegmann et al. (2011), family sequence follows Kirk-Spriggs and Sinclair (2017a, b, 2021, in prep). Higher Classification Tota ci reps i i sewupsse ee 2 niece | i a se — way Scenopinidae N ; Empidoidea Empididae | to ee : Dolichopodidae 414 Platypezidae Lonchopteridae NO | N ou Phoroidea Phoridae aS Xe) oO (oe) oO (ee) Unplaced Cyclorrhapha Syrphidae 318 Pipunculidae Agromyzidae Periscelididae = oO a cC;— ay oO N Sphaeroceridae a 9 "seomaise sis mee sss ~Pysemeiiee F African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 216 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho Higher Classification Family Historic Collections Recent collection Total Acalypterata Tephritidae 264 150 414 Pyrgotidae 1 1 2 Lauxaniidae 131 499 630 Chamaemyiidae 61 106 167 Milichiidae 32 | 1 33 Chloropidae 72 284 356 Chyromyidae 0 2 2 Heleomyzidae 3 47 50 Ephydridae 82 285 367 Curtonotidae 3 11 14 Diastatidae 0 | 2 2 Drosophilidae 10 66 76 Cryptochaetidae 1 1 2 Calypterata Scathophagidae 65 37 102 Anthomyiidae 30 150 180 Fanniidae 1 33 34 Muscidae 394 1770 2164 Calliphoridae sensu 45 23 68 strictu Rhiniinae 17 | 62 79 Sarcophagidae 266 36 302 Rhinophoridae 1 14 15 Tachinidae 228 328 556 Oestridae 3 0 3 Totals 3436 7144 10580 Contributions towards this special collection In all, historic South African collections and the recent expeditions have gen- erated a collection of approximately 10 580 Diptera specimens from Leso- tho (Table 2), excluding the material from the Lund Expedition. Despite this, there is little published information on the Diptera of Lesotho. That which is published is mostly in the South African Animal Life series, based on the Lund expedition (e.g., Alexander 1964; Hull 1964, 1967; Smith 1967). Other publications are fragmented and sporadic. The aim of initiating this Topical Collection in African Invertebrates is to bring this information together in one series, creating a resource for a diverse set of users. While we endeavoured to collect a diverse group of specimens, it is inevitable that some groups were sampled more thoroughly than others. This collection should be seen as a Starting point for future research in Lesotho. Despite this, it is still of value for conservation practitioners in the region as it is the first attempt at a consolidated Diptera checklist for the country. The details of the col- lecting sites provided in Table 1 and the site photographs (Figs 2-29) are also intended to pre-empt repetition in future contributions to this Special collection but also allows future collectors to plan their trips with existing material in mind. African Invertebrates 64(3): 207-220 (2023), DOI: 10.3897/Afrinvertebr.64.108525 217 John M. Midgley et al.: Introduction to the Diptera of Lesotho Acknowledgements We thank the Lesotho Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Depart- ment of Environment for issuing permits to undertake the fieldwork. BSM ac- knowledges support from the National Museum, Bloemfontein. Additional information Conflict of interest The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Ethical statement BSM confirms ethical clearance, number NMB ECC 2022/02, forming part of project 542 of the National Museum, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Funding Field expeditions in 2021, 2022 and 2023 were funded through DIPoDIP (Diversity of Pollinating Diptera in South African biodiversity hotspots) which is financed by the Direc- torate-general Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid through the Framework agreement with KMMA. Author contributions Bellingan, Jordaens, Midgley and Muller conceptualized the project. Phoofolo, Jordaens, Midgley, Muller and Theron joined the fieldwork. Midgley and Muller wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Bellingan, Phoofolo, Jordaens and Theron commented on the draft. Author ORCIDs John M. Midgley ® https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1203-3750 Burgert S. Muller © https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7304-4050 Genevieve L. Theron © https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1071-9014 Mpho Phoofolo ® https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6393-878X Terence A. Bellingan © https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3064-1744 Kurt Jordaens ® https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4321-5944 Data availability All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text. References Alexander CP (1964) Diptera (Nematocera): Tanyderidae, Ptychopteridae, Tipulidae. In: Hanstrom B, Brink P Rudebeck G (Eds) South African Animal Life. Results of the Lund University Expedition in 1950-1951. Almqvist & Wiksell, Stockholm, 229-441. Brink P (1955) Swedish Exploration of South African Animal Life during 200 years. In: Hanstrém B, Brink P Rudebeck G (Eds) South African animal life. Results of the Lund University Expedition in 1950-1951. Almqvist & Wiksell, Stockholm, 11-61. Brink P Rudebeck G (1955) List of Localities Investigated by the Swedish Expedition to Southern Africa in 1950-1951. In: Hanstrom B, Brink P Rudebeck G (Eds) South African animal life. Results of the Lund University Expedition in 1950-1951. Almqvist & Wiksell, Stockholm, 62-100. 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