Flies of Boraceia: a preliminary list of Diptera (insecta) recorded at the Estação Biológica de Boraceia, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

This study marks the 70th anniversary of the Boraceia Biological Station (EBB), a key research site in the Atlantic Forest since 1954, managed by MZUSP since 1969. It presents the first checklist of Diptera from EBB, based on literature and museum specimens. Currently, 721 species, belonging to 312 genera and 57 families, are known from EBB, including 193 species described from the area. These numbers are likely underestimated, as they are based on multiple short-term studies; to date, no comprehensive, long-term inventory specifically targeting Diptera has been conducted in the area. Among the species examined, 56 are new records for the state of São Paulo and 13 for Brazil. The three most species- rich families are Mycetophilidae, Drosophilidae, and Muscidae, while the three most diverse in the number of genera are Tachinidae, Asilidae, and Muscidae. These findings reinforce EBB’s role as a Diptera biodiversity hotspot and highlight the need for expanded research infrastructure and taxonomic expertise across Brazilian biomes. This checklist provides a foundation for future research in taxonomy, biogeography, and evolution.