South African nose flies (Diptera, Calliphoridae, Rhiniinae): taxonomy, diversity, distribution and biology Author Thomas-Cabianca, Arianna https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2126-6222 Department of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Alicante, E- 03080, Alicante, Spain athomasbio@gmail.com Author Villet, Martin H. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4335-5667 Rhodes University, Southern African Forensic Entomology Research Laboratory, Grahamstown, South Africa Author Martinez-Sanchez, Anabel Department of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Alicante, E- 03080, Alicante, Spain Author Rojo, Santos https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2160-9643 Department of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Alicante, E- 03080, Alicante, Spain text Biodiversity Data Journal 2023 2023-01-13 11 72764 72764 http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.11.e72764 journal article http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.11.e72764 1314-2828-11-e72764 483CCF09D3A05B029A3B4B4A30E4CB79 Cosmina gracilis Curran, 1927 = Cosmina gracilis Curran, 1927: 2. Type locality : South Africa, Barberton. Remarks : type-serie in SANC at ARC. Distribution Afrotropical : Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa (Fig. 31 ) and Zimbabwe. Notes Preferred environment : dry scrub forest, mixed bushveld-grass, sand and broad-leafed deciduous forest and Rhus and Acacia savannah. In Namibia, associated with the Mesic Savannah, Arid Savannah, Karoo and Desert Biomes ( Kurahashi and Kirk-Spriggs 2006 ). We included new records in indigenous and degraded sand forest and cultivated plots for Namibia. Recorded elevations : 98-1240 m a.s.l. Seasonality : common species, highest abundance in September and November. Absent in February, June, July and August and low numbers in the remaining months. In Namibia, it was an abundant species, peaking from December to February ( Kurahashi and Kirk-Spriggs 2006 ). Behaviour and ecology : in Namibia, was frequently observed feeding on flowers ( Solanaceae and other families). The success of the pitfall-traps suggests ground-dwelling habit in adults ( Kurahashi and Kirk-Spriggs 2006 ). Life cycle and developmental stages : unknown. Collection methods : Malaise traps and light trap. In Nambia, it was collected by sweeping or with UV-light, yellow and blue pan traps, hanging traps baited with fermenting fruit, Malaise and pitfall traps ( Kurahashi and Kirk-Spriggs 2006 ). Illustrations and photographs : male habitus as in Fig. 32 . Male terminalia as in fig. 26c in Zumpt (1958) . Type material examined : C. gracilis : 1? HT 1? AT // Barberton / May 17 1914 / (H. K. Munro). Material examined : Suppl. materials 1, 2.