Biology and Taxonomy of Old World Puliciphora (Diptera: Phoridae) with Descriptions of Nine New Species

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Abstract
Four new species of Pidiciphora from Sulawesi, four from Malaysia and one from South Africa are described. P. opuntiae Paulian is established as a synonym of P. borinquenesis Wheeler and Neopuliciphora Schmitz and Mjöberg as a synonym of Puliciphora. The Neotropical P. rufipes Silva Figueroa is reported from South Africa. A key is provided to the females of the 33 species of Old World Puliciphora. Rearing records are reported for five saprophagous species. Two species are reported from nests of ants and a third associated with roving bands of a third species of ant. Evidence is presented that the larvae of these species associated with particular ant species are predatory upon the ants. A species is reported from colonies of Odontolermes sundaicus Kemner, and evidence is given suggesting the larvae are predators or parasitoids of the soldiers of this termite. The hypothesis is advanced that species of Puliciphora whose females mature only four, or fewer, eggs at a time will be found to possess larvae that are specialized predators or parasitoids.