My work on the Streblidae and Nycteribiidae (Diptera) is a relatively new project, which I am conducting in collaboration with Megan Porter and Michael Whiting. Although a plethora of studies exist regarding their hosts, next to nothing is known about the bat flies. We are trying to compile a preliminary phylogeny for the family Streblidae, since little is known regarding their
intrafamilial phylogenetic relationships.

Currently, our sampling extends over three continents and involves all major subfamilies of the
Streblidae, as well as mostly Old World Nycteribiidae. We are using 5 genes, namely: 18S, 28S, cytB, co2 and 16S.

Apart from their higher level phylogenetic relations, I am particulary interested in the peculiar morphological evolution of this family. Several taxa underwent dramatic morphological change. The female of Ascodipteron spp. for instance completely loose their legs and wings, as well as any basic bauplan of the common adult dipteran abdomen. They develop into a maggot like creature, which leads an endoparasitic life, firmly lodged into the wing-joints or membrane. This development is also visible in certain taxa of fleas (e.g.: Tunga,Dorcadia). The Streblinae on the other hand, also deviate significantly from the basic dipteran bauplan, their head is dorsoventrally flattened, and they almost resemble lice, rather than flies.

With our studies we are also attempting to elucidate wether and how dramatic morphological change is associated with selective pressure on the aminoacid level.

Terminal (claws, pulvilli) of Basilia spp. (Nycteribiidae, Malaysia).

Terminal of Raymondia sp. (Streblidae, Malaysia).