Diptera Systematics

Associate Professor Steve Kerr serves as the Honorary Curator of Entomology at Tūhura Otago Museum. With a deep passion for the study of insects, Dr Kerr is engaged in the research of Diptera systematics, specifically focusing on the taxonomy of several families of flies. His work primarily revolves around the Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies), Empididae (dance flies), and Tipuloidea (crane flies), all of which play crucial roles in their ecosystems.

Through his research, Dr Kerr has contributed significantly to the understanding of these groups, many of which are often overlooked despite their importance in biodiversity. His studies explore the identification and classification of species but also delve into the relationships between these flies and their environments, highlighting their ecological significance.

At Tūhura Otago Museum, Dr Kerr's work supports ongoing research and contributes to the Museum's efforts to expand its collections, offering insights into the fascinating world of entomology.

Publications

Kerr, D.S., Thompson, S. and Kerr, P.H. (2023) A new species of Mycomya Rondani, 1856 (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) common to southeast Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. Zootaxa 5264 (3): 418–428.

Kerr, D.S., Fleury, K., Ridden, J.D. and Le Grice, R.J. (2022) Empidadelpha nr. Propria (Diptera: Empididae) on the Auckland Islands. The Weta 54:13-22.

Kerr, D.S. and Tweed, J.M.H. (2021) Empidadelpha pokekeao (Diptera: Empididae): a new species from New Zealand. New Zealand Entomologist 44(1): 15–25.

Kerr, D.S. (2020) Sexual dimorphism in Berisina maculipennis (Stratiomyidae: Beridinae): a brief re-description of the male and first description of the female. The Weta 54:56-60.

Kerr, S. and Johns, P. (2019) A recent observation of the rare limoniid crane fly Discobola haetara Johns and Jenner 2006 at Leith Saddle, Dunedin. The Weta 53(1):35-36.

Kerr, S. (2019) Formal designation of female allotype of Scorpiurus aramoana at Otago Museum. The Weta 53(1):37-38.

Bickel, D.J. and Kerr, D.S. (2018) Scorpiurus aramoana (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), a new species from New Zealand. Zootaxa 4422 (1): 78-84.