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Hi Brian,

I got interested in the Neotropical fauna a few years ago. Initially I was reluctant to collect insects for point already made in this discussion: lack of literature, and not less important lack of experience with this fauna!
So the first trips I mainly watched birds and mamals, far more easy to identify ;)

However, as always, in the end you can't resist. I have made several trips, mainly to Peru. And started actually working on it's fauna. My main interest are the Tephrioidea (Tephritidae, Ulidiidae and Richardiidae), but have also got quite a collection of Syrphidae.
The problem with identifying the material, besides the vast amount of undescribed species, is also the poor understanding of the species or even genera. As an example, one new Ulidiidae, and one new Richardiidid, forced me to start a revision of the Ulidiid genus and the group of genera of Richardiidae. Which takes, as you know, a lot of time.
So I am willing to contribute, one way or the other, and am especially interested in Tephritoid material outside Peru, in order to get a better understanding of the genera.

Best wishes,

John