The outcome of 2024: New species and new records of fungus gnats (Diptera, Keroplatidae, Mycetophilidae) in Morocco and North Africa

Fungus gnats are a group of nematocerans flies of Diptera comprising six families, placed in the superfamily of Sciaroidea. They are considered one of the largest groups of Diptera, with more than 5400 species being known globally. Adult fungus gnats are associated with humid areas, especially moist woodlands. They are usually found in shady and moist habitats such as cavities and root systems of fallen trees, overhanging stream banks, and among the undergrowth of woods. Larvae mostly develop in fungal fruiting bodies or in fungal mycelia in dead wood and soil litter. A few species may develop in myxomycetes, rotten wood, bryophytes, bird’s nests, or caves.

Although the Moroccan fungus gnat's fauna is the best studied in the North African region, our knowledge on this fauna is still moderate. It is represented by 77 species belonging to three families: Bolitophilidae (1 species), Keroplatidae (12 species), and Mycetophilidae (64 species). Drawing from extensive fieldwork conducted across nearly all regions of Morocco between 2013 and 2023, the year 2024 was notable for fungus gnat research, unveiling six new Mycetophilidae species that were previously unknown to science. Additionally, significant contributions were made to the Moroccan and North African fungus gnat fauna, including the new records of one Keroplatidae species and twenty-four Mycetophilidae species.

The discovery of new Mycetophilidae species, coupled with extensive records of species in Morocco and North Africa, highlights the impressive biodiversity and endemism of fungus gnats from this globally known hotspot.