The higher-level classification of the insect order Diptera is in a constant state of flux, and over the last several decades, a vast number of names have been variously proposed, rejected, had their definitions changed, or altered spelling. Keeping track of all of these names is a challenging task, especially as there is no consensus as to the proper classification that should be used for this order, as well as reflecting a more fundamental challenge to the entire underlying principles of classification, which is especially evident among Dipteran systematists. The purpose of this article is to serve as a reference in situations where a reader may encounter an obsolete name in a printed or online resource, and otherwise be unable to find it.
The higher-level classification of the insect order Diptera is in a constant state of flux, and over the last several decades, a vast number of names have been variously proposed, rejected, had their definitions changed, or altered spelling. Keeping track of all of these names is a challenging task, especially as there is no consensus as to the proper classification that should be used for this order, as well as reflecting a more fundamental challenge to the entire underlying principles of classification, which is especially evident among Dipteran systematists. The purpose of this article is to serve as a reference in situations where a reader may encounter an obsolete name in a printed or online resource, and otherwise be unable to find it. Secondarily, this list also contains names referring to fossil taxa, whose placement into modern classifications is generally untenable, as classifications increasingly rely on molecular phylogenetics, which excludes fossils from consideration. (en)
The higher-level classification of the insect order Diptera is in a constant state of flux, and over the last several decades, a vast number of names have been variously proposed, rejected, had their definitions changed, or altered spelling. Keeping track of all of these names is a challenging task, especially as there is no consensus as to the proper classification that should be used for this order, as well as reflecting a more fundamental challenge to the entire underlying principles of classification, which is especially evident among Dipteran systematists. The purpose of this article is to serve as a reference in situations where a reader may encounter an obsolete name in a printed or online resource, and otherwise be unable to find it. (en)
