Helicosina, a new genus of Neotropical Limosininae (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae).

The new genus Helicosina is described to include three new Neotropical species characterized by swollen hind femora, cruciate interfrontal setae, strongly flattened notum and a distinctly narrow-elongate surstylus. At least one species is associated with furled Heliconia leaves. The following new species are described: H.

A revision of the Australian species of Howickia Richards (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae: Limosininae).

Howickia Richards, 1951, the largest genus of Sphaeroceridae in Australia, is revised to include 43 species, including all wingless Australian species of the family. The following new species are described: H. acicula (TAS), H.

Flower plantings promote insect pollinator abundance and wild bee richness in Canadian agricultural landscapes.

Abstract: Global declines in pollinator populations are an ongoing concern from biodiversity and food security viewpoints. A growing conservation initiative in agricultural landscapes is the establishment of wildflowers on marginal lands to provide floral resources and habitat for pollinators. However, the effectiveness of such conservation and restoration efforts are not always assessed.