A species-group framework to unravel blowfly diversity: integrative revision of the Calliphora clarki-group (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The Australian Calliphorinae represent a diverse division of the global blowfly fauna and a broad range of life histories. Past research focused on the carrion-breeding species and there remains a paucity of research on species with other life histories. This study is the first in a series of revisionary works that combine morphology with mitochondrial DNA to revise the entire Australian Calliphorinae. A new species-group system for the subfamily is proposed, along with descriptions and revisions of species within the newly established Calliphora clarki-group. Three new species are described: C. ampyx sp. nov., C. ignicera sp. nov. and C. niveata sp. nov. Keys are provided to the Australian Calliphorinae species groups and to species within the clarki-group. Species concepts are supported by molecular delimitation analysis using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene.