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With 14 species, Pelecocera Meigen, 1822 is a scarce and small genus of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae: Rhingiini) from the Holarctic Region. Apart from the finding of larvae of Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) japonica (Shiraki, 1956) in fungi in Japan, the larval biology of these hoverflies is virtually unknown. The early stages of all Pelecocera species are undescribed. The adults of Pelecocera (Pelecocera) tricincta Meigen, 1822 and Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) lugubris Perris, 1839 are found in Palearctic conifer forests with sand dunes. We here report the first morphological evidence of the immature stages of Pelecocera (P. lugubris and P. tricincta), as well as specific data on their breeding sites. Larvae of both species were collected feeding on the hypogean basidiomycete Rhizopogon luteolus Fr. & Nordholm, 1817 in Denmark in 2021. The first larval stage and second larval stage of P. tricincta, the third larval stage of P. lugubris, the anterior respiratory process, and the posterior respiratory process of the puparia of these two species were analyzed and studied using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope techniques. The chaetotaxy of the puparium of each species is also described and illustrated. A taxonomic diagnosis of the larvae of the genus Pelecocera is proposed to separate them from the larvae of other genera of the tribe.

Eumerus colladoi Ricarte & Aguado-Aranda is reported from France for the first time. New data on its biology and habitat preferences are provided. The known distribution of the species in France is mapped., Eumerus colladoi Ricarte & Aguado-Aranda est cité pour la première fois en France. De nouvelles données sur sa biologie et ses préférences en matière d’habitat sont fournies. La distribution connue de l’espèce en France est cartographiée.

The genera Eumerus and Merodon (Syrphidae: Merodontini) form together the most speciose grouping of hoverflies in the Palaearctic Region. However, little is known about the morphology and biology of their larvae. The few larvae of Eumerus and Merodon that have been uncovered are phytophagous in underground organs of plants (some Eumerus and all Merodon) or saprophagous in a variety of plants' parts (the reminder of Eumerus). In this study, the second larval stage (L2) of Eumerus lyneborgi Ricarte & Hauser, 2020 and both the larva (L2) and puparium of Merodon constans (Rossi, 1794) are described for the first time. Larvae of E. lyneborgi were found in a decaying stem of Cyphostemma juttae (Dinter & Gilg) Desc., 1960 (Vitaceae) in Namibia (Africa), while larvae of M. constans were collected in bulbs of Leucojum vernum Linnaeus, 1753, (Amaryllidaceae) in France (Europe). Morphology of the immature forms was studied by observation and imaging with stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The head skeleton of E. lyneborgi larvae was found to be of the filter feeding type, i.e., in accordance with a saprophagous trophic regime, while that of M. constans was typically phytophagous. Variability in certain characters of the M. constans early stages is described and discussed in relation to the adult form and molecular information published in literature. An updated identification key to all known third larval stages/puparia of Merodon is provided.

Eumerus Meigen, 1822 is one of the largest Syrphidae genera in the Palaearctic Region, with the highest levels of taxonomic diversity found in the Eumerus tricolor species group. Despite its high diversity, the interspecific levels of morphological variability can be low. Additionally, some species may show certain levels of intraspecific variability. Hence, species delimitation may become challenging. In this work, we assessed the diversity of the E. tricolor group in the Iberian Peninsula through an integrative analysis of nomenclature, morphology and the 5′ (COI-5′) and 3′ (COI-3′) end regions of the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Two new species, Eumerus ancylostylus Aguado-Aranda & Ricarte sp. n. and Eumerus petrarum Aguado-Aranda, Nedeljković & Ricarte sp. n., were described, and their intra- and interspecific variations discussed. In addition, the first barcodes of Iberian members of the E. tricolor group were obtained, and the distribution ranges of all species were mapped within the study area. The systematic position of the new species is discussed based on the resulting COI-based trees. The male genitalia of Eumerus hispanicus van der Goot, 1966 and Eumerus bayardi Séguy, 1961 were studied and illustrated. A lectotype was designated for Eumerus lateralis (Zetterstedt, 1819). An updated dichotomous key for all known European species of the E. tricolor group is provided. The egg of E. petrarum sp. n. is also described.

1. Sustainability of agroecosystems depends on the ecosystem services, provided by beneficial organisms, such as the syrphids (Diptera: Syrphidae) acting as other-insect predators and pollinators in different crops. In the case of olive groves, syrphids are predators of important pests and are endangered by the continuous intensification of agriculture, including landscape simplification. In this work, the effect of landscape structure on the abundance and species richness of syrphids in the olive agroecosystem of central Spain is assessed. 2. Adult syrphids were sampled in 2015 and 2016 in the centre of circular areas of 15 olive grove landscapes (from 250 to 1500 m radius) representing a gradient of landscape complexity, in the province of Madrid, central Spain. 3. The syrphid assemblage was made up of 57 species, although Eupeodes corollae, Eristalis tenax, Eristalis similis and Chrysotoxum intermedium made up 76% of the captures. 4. Syrphid abundance and species richness were favoured in complex landscapes, with low olive grove area (CAO). Other landscape indices showed also this trend although their effect was not as strong and consistent as that of CAO. The area of scrublands (CAS) favoured syrphids in spring, but was unfavourable in autumn. The effect of Shannon's Evenness Index (SHEI) and mean shape index (MSI) was less consistent. The effect of CAO increased with increasing buffers radii, while the effect of CAS, SHEI and MSI was detected in general at smaller radii, indicating these indices affect different processes. 5. Redundancy analysis (RDA) detected some differences between species regarding their abundance in spring versus autumn, and their relationship with landscape indices. 6. This work provides new evidence that maintenance of complex landscapes is essential for maintaining functional biodiversity in the olive agroecosystem.

1. Pollinators play a crucial role in ecosystems globally, ensuring the seed production of most flowering plants. They are threatened by global changes and knowledge of their distribution at the national and continental levels is needed to implement efficient conservation actions, but this knowledge is still fragmented and/or difficult to access. 2. As a step forward, we provide an updated list of around 3000 European bee and hoverfly species, reflecting their current distributional status at the national level (in the form of present, absent, regionally extinct, possibly extinct or non-native). This work was attainable by incorporating both published and unpublished data, as well as knowledge from a large set of taxonomists and ecologists in both groups. 3. After providing the first National species lists for bees and hoverflies for many countries, we examine the current distributional patterns of these species and designate the countries with highest levels of species richness. We also show that many species are recorded in a single European country, highlighting the importance of articulating European and national conservation strategies. 4. Finally, we discuss how the data provided here can be combined with future trait and Red List data to implement research that will further advance pollinator conservation.

Pollinators play a crucial role in ecosystems globally, ensuring the seed production of most flowering plants. They are threatened by global changes and knowledge of their distribution at the national and continental levels is needed to implement efficient conservation actions, but this knowledge is still fragmented and/or difficult to access. As a step forward, we provide an updated list of around 3000 European bee and hoverfly species, reflecting their current distributional status at the national level (in the form of present, absent, regionally extinct, possibly extinct or non-native). This work was attainable by incorporating both published and unpublished data, as well as knowledge from a large set of taxonomists and ecologists in both groups. After providing the first National species lists for bees and hoverflies for many countries, we examine the current distributional patterns of these species and designate the countries with highest levels of species richness. We also show that many species are recorded in a single European country, highlighting the importance of articulating European and national conservation strategies. Finally, we discuss how the data provided here can be combined with future trait and Red List data to implement research that will further advance pollinator conservation., Pollinators play a crucial role in ecosystems globally, ensuring the seed production of most flowering plants. They are threatened by global changes and knowledge of their distribution at the national and continental levels is needed to implement efficient conservation actions, but this knowledge is still fragmented and/or difficult to access. As a step forward, we provide an updated list of around 3000 European bee and hoverfly species, reflecting their current distributional status at the national level (in the form of present, absent, regionally extinct, possibly extinct or non-native). This work was attainable by incorporating both published and unpublished data, as well as knowledge from a large set of taxonomists and ecologists in both groups. After providing the first National species lists for bees and hoverflies for many countries, we examine the current distributional patterns of these species and designate the countries with highest levels of species richness. We also show that many species are recorded in a single European country, highlighting the importance of articulating European and national conservation strategies. Finally, we discuss how the data provided here can be combined with future trait and Red List data to implement research that will further advance pollinator conservation.

The hoverfly genus Eumerus Meigen, 1822 (Eristalinae: Merodontini) comprises 250+ described species, of which 36 are reported from the Iberian Peninsula. The high species diversity linked to the low degree of morphological differentiation between some species, which is even lower in females, leads to a high taxonomic complexity in this genus. The aim of this work is to confirm the morphological and molecular validity of an undescribed species of Eumerus, which is widespread in the Iberian Peninsula. The new species is described and compared with similar species. The genitalia of the new species are similar to those of Eumerus clavatus Becker, 1923 and Eumerus uncipes Rondani, 1850, but also share some features with Eumerus nudus Loew, 1848. The COI-5’ barcode is provided for the new taxon and analysed together with those of other named Eumerus sequences/species publicly available online. In the light of the morphology and barcoding data, the systematic position of the new species is discussed.

The genus Eumerus Meigen, 1822 (Diptera: Syrphidae) is one of the most diverse hoverfly genera in the west Palaearctic Region with 140 confirmed species and 80 occurring in the European continent. It is also highly diverse in the Iberian Peninsula plus the Balearic and Canary Islands with 43 species. Recent works on this genus have increased the number of species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula up to five. Nowadays, taxonomy, distribution and biology of the Iberian Eumerus taxonomy are still far to be fully understood. The aim of this work is to present an updated overview of the Eumerus taxonomy and diversity in the Iberian area, addressing main topics pending of resolution in the genus., El género Eumerus Meigen, 1822 (Diptera: Syrphidae) es uno de los géneros de sírfidos más diversos en la Región Paleártica con 140 especies confirmadas y 80 presentes en el continente Europeo. Es también muy diverso en la Península Ibérica e Islas Baleares y Canarias con 43 especies. Recientes publicaciones sobre este género han aumentado a cinco el número de especies endémicas para la Península Ibérica. En la actualidad, la taxonomía, distribución y biología de los Eumerus ibéricos están lejos de ser comprendidas completamente. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una visión actualizada de la taxonomía y diversidad de Eumerus en el área Ibérica, enfocando los principales temas pendientes de ser resueltos en este género.

Morphology, at both adult and larval stages is crucial for the correct identification of an insect and a better understanding of its biology and behaviour. The lack of morpho-functional information in insects is much more general in the immature stages than in adults, and major insect orders, such as Diptera are no exception. Syrphids (Diptera: Syrphidae) include various genera with aphidophagous larvae playing a key role in the control of pest insects in both natural and agricultural systems. The aphidophagous Sphaerophoria rueppellii (Wiedemann, 1830) is a syrphid widely distributed in the Palearctic Region and it is of commercial importance as a biological control agent against aphid pests. However, little is known about the fine morphology of its immature stages because it was described in 1939, when microscopy did not allow detailed studies of certain morphological features. In this work, stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to get a deeper and more detailed picture of the immature stage morphology of this syrphid. SEM was used to examine in detail the chaetotaxy of three larval instars, the larva/puparium posterior respiratory process (PRP), and the chorionic structure of the egg. We describe for the first time the egg, first and second larval stages, and also give a complete updated description of the third-stage larva and the puparium. The three larval instars vary from each other, especially in the number of sensillae, PRP form, colour, and body size. The thickness of both the egg chorion and puparium integument were also measured. A possible interpretation of the reasons for the variability in the number of sensillae is discussed. Illustrations and full descriptions are provided for the egg, larva, and puparium of S. rueppellii, including the head skeleton of the third larval stage.

The hoverfly Parhelophilus crococoronatus Reemer, 2000 (Syrphidae: Eristalinae) was recorded from France and Portugal. In this work, it is reported from Spain for the first time. In Murcia province, the species was caught at the hydro dam “Presa de la Risca”. The habitat consisted of newly flooded forested meadows with decaying shrubs and dead trees, where the aquatic larvae of Parhelophilus live. This habitat has most likely been lost by now, as most of the area has been flooded, and the current presence of P. crococoronatus needs to be confirmed. In Granada province, P. crococoronatus was collected in a Phragmites-rich natural wetland, while in Huelva it was collected in a marshland with trees and low vegetation. The findings show that, even if the habitat of P. crococoronatus in Murcia has disappeared, the species is more widespread and has viable populations in Spain. Additional records of Parhelophilus versicolor (Fabricius, 1794) and Parhelophilus frutetorum (Fabricius, 1775) are provided., El sírfido Parhelophilus crococoronatus Reemer, 2000 (Syrphidae: Eristalinae) estaba registrado de Francia y Portugal. En este trabajo, se documenta, por primera vez, de España. En la provincia de Murcia, el hábitat donde esta especie se ha capturado es el Embalse de la Risca, constituido por valles forestales arbolados recientemente inundados, con matorrales en descomposición y árboles muertos, donde viven las larvas acuáticas de Parhelophilus. Este hábitat ha desaparecido por inundación, por lo que la presencia actual en esta ubicación de P. crococoronatus requiere de confirmación. En la provincia de Granada, P. crococoronatus se recolectó en un humedal natural dominado por Phragmites, mientras que, en Huelva, fue recolectado en un área de marismas con árboles y vegetación baja. Los presentes hallazgos muestran que, aunque el hábitat de P. crococoronatus haya desaparecido en Murcia, la especie está más extendida en España. Se proporcionan registros adicionales de Parhelophilus versicolor (Fabricius, 1794) y Parhelophilus frutetorum (Fabricius, 1775).

Five genera of Brachyopini, Chrysogaster Meigen, 1800, Melanogaster Rondani, 1857, Lejogaster Rondani, 1857, Orthonevra Macquart, 1829 and Riponnensia Maibach et al. 1994a are here revised from the Iberian region. Two new species, Melanogaster baetica Ricarte and Nedeljković, sp. n. and Orthonevra arcana Ricarte and Nedeljković sp. n., are described from Spain, and a third species, Chrysogaster coerulea Strobl in Czerny and Strobl, 1909 stat. n., is reinstated as valid and redescribed. A lectotype is designated for Orthonevra plumbago (Loew, 1840). The holotype of Orthonevra incisa (Loew, 1843) and the lectotype of O. plumbago are described in detail and illustrated. Melanogaster baetica sp. n. is similar to Melanogaster parumplicata (Loew, 1840) in male genitalia morphology, while O. arcana sp. n. is similar to O. incisa in the entirely-pollinose sternum I and the conspicuous incision on the posterior margin of tergum V in female. The first Iberian record of Chrysogaster rondanii Maibach and Goeldlin de Tiefenau, 1995 is provided, whilst Melanogaster aerosa is removed from the Iberian checklist of Syrphidae. Identification keys are presented to the five Brachyopini genera and 18 species now reported from the Iberian Peninsula (Chrysogaster, 6 spp.; Lejogaster, 2 spp.; Melanogaster, 3 spp.; Orthonevra, 5 spp.; Riponnensia, 2 spp.). COI (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) barcodes of the two new species plus C. coerulea, Chrysogaster solstitialis (Fallén, 1817), Orthonevra nobilis (Fallén, 1817) and Orthonevra frontalis (Loew, 1843) were successfully obtained from Spanish specimens. A COI-based tree was produced to locate these taxa in a wider systematic framework within the tribe.

Comprising nearly 500 species worldwide, Cheilosia Meigen is the largest genus of Syrphidae in the Palaearctic region. Within Cheilosia, phenotypic diversity has been assessed in different species groups, including the group of Cheilosia longula (Zetterstedt, 1838). However, the phenotypic variability of Cheilosia soror (Zetterstedt, 1843), a highly variable member of the C. longula group, has never been assessed in western Europe. In the present work, morphological and molecular analyses were conducted to assess the phenotypic variability found in 300+ specimens of C. soror from the Iberian Peninsula. A total of 16 variable characters were identified and defined for the C. soror morphology, with the highest variation found in the colour of the mesonotum pilosity and the metatibia colour. Morphological variation was assessed against molecular variation based on two molecular markers, one mitochondrial, the 5 end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI-5), and one nuclear, the large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S). Phylogenetic analyses rendered trees with topologies in disagreement with the defined morphological variation. Two haplotypes were identified amongst the analysed specimens of C. soror, together with a haplotypic variant exclusive to the Iberian region. Potential distributions were used to identify unexplored areas of occurrence of C. soror and other species of the C. longula group in the Iberian Peninsula. Unassessed areas of occurrence of C. soror should be surveyed in the future to confirm the absence of hidden taxonomic diversity within the range of phenotypic variation for this species. Phenotypic variation of the other two Iberian species of the C. longula group, C. longula and C. scutellata (Fallén, 1817), was also assessed to find that they are species with less-variable morphology than C. soror and with molecular characters in accordance with other conspecific populations in Europe. New distributional data are provided for C. soror and C. scutellat

With over 80 species, Milesia Latreille, 1804 is a hoverfly genus (Diptera: Syrphidae) is found in all continents except for Australia and the Antarctica. However, little is known about its life cycle and biology. The three Milesia species for which early stages are known have saproxylic larvae, suggesting that the larvae of all other Milesia species are also saproxylic. The early stages of the three Milesia species occurring in Europe are undescribed. Milesia crabroniformis (Fabricius, 1775), a mimic of the hornet Vespa crabro Linnaeus, 1758, is the largest hoverfly in Europe and is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN European Red List of Hoverflies. We here report the first early stages of Milesia ever found in Europe, describing them and their breeding sites. Larvae of M. crabroniformis were collected in water-filled tree holes of live chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Málaga, Southern Spain in 2020-2021. Various studies based on stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques have proven useful in diagnosing hoverfly early stages by the observation of their fine morphology. Thus, these techniques were also used here to characterize the second (L2) and third (L3) stage larvae of M. crabroniformis, as well as the puparium. A Leica M205 C binocular stereomicroscope and a Jeol JSM-ITH500HR SEM were used. The head skeleton and chaetotaxy of the L3 larva were described and illustrated. Adjustments to the diagnosis of the larvae of Milesia are proposed based on the number of hooks from the primary row of the main group of hooks. The new early stages are compared with those of other Milesia hoverflies, as well as with those of the sister group Spilomyia Meigen, 1803. The knowledge of the larval biology and breeding sites of saproxylic insects is useful for implementing forest management measures and species’ conservation programs.

The hoverfly genus Eumerus Meigen, 1822 (Eristalinae: Merodontini) comprises 250+ described species, of which 36 are reported from the Iberian Peninsula. The high species diversity linked to the low degree of morphological differentiation between some species, which is even lower in females, leads to a high taxonomic complexity in this genus. The aim of this work is to confirm the morphological and molecular validity of an undescribed species of Eumerus, which is widespread in the Iberian Peninsula. The new species is described and compared with similar species. The genitalia of the new species are similar to those of Eumerus clavatus Becker, 1923 and Eumerus uncipes Rondani, 1850, but also share some features with Eumerus nudus Loew, 1848. The COI-5’ barcode is provided for the new taxon and analysed together with those of other named Eumerus sequences/species publicly available online. In the light of the morphology and barcoding data, the systematic position of the new species is discussed.

Syrphidae are pollinators, pest predators and decomposers in European ecosystems. Camprodon (Girona province, Spain) is a valley with rich vegetation and high habitat diversity in the eastern Pyrenees. However, hoverfly biodiversity in this valley was poorly known. To explore the high potential of this area for Syrphidae, a survey with hand-net was undertaken in July/August 2020 in the valley. The list of Syrphidae species from the valley increases to 88, whilst that of the Girona province now extends to 119 species. Chrysotoxum lessonae is reported for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula. The specimens of Xylota tarda and Cheilosia hypena () represent the first documented records of these species for the Iberian Peninsula and Spain, respectively; i.e. these two species were known to occur in the Iberian Peninsula and Spain but without further locality details. A total of 19 species were new to the region of Catalonia and 23 to the Girona province. Cheilosia was the genus with the highest number of species recorded, as expected from the combination of mountains, diversity of forest vegetation, and presence of rivers/streams of the Camprodon valley. Faunistic results from this fieldwork are relevant to knowledge of Diptera from Catalonia, a region of Spain where this insect family is understudied.

The syrphid genus Meromacrus is widespread in the Neotropics, but its presence in Chile has been confirmed just recently. Adults pollinate, and larvae are saprophagous of vegetal materials. In this note, we report Meromacrus cactorum Ricarte et al. for the first time from Chile. New data on adult habitats and flower visitation are also provided for this Meromacrus. Adults were observed on flowers of the cacti Opuntia ficusindica, Cumulopuntia sphaerica, and the vulnerable Browningia candelaris. Species distribution and pollinator potential are discussed for M. cactorum., El género Meromacrus (Diptera: Syrphidae) está ampliamente distribuido en la región Neotropical, pero su presencia en Chile ha sido confirmada recientemente. Los adultos polinizan, mientras que las larvas descomponen materia orgánica asociada a plantas. En esta nota reportamos por primera vez en Chile a Meromacrus cactorum Ricarte et al. Se proporcionan nuevos datos sobre el hábitat y las flores visitadas por los adultos de M. cactorum. Los adultos fueron observados sobre flores de los cactus Opuntia ficus-indica, Cumulopuntia sphaerica, y la especie vulnerable Browningia candelaris. Se discute la distribución de M. cactorum, así como su potencial polinizador.

Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) pollinate plants, predate other insects, and feed on vegetal and decay materials, being used as bioindicators of different ecosystem conditions and processes. The main aim is to enhance the bioindicator potential of hoverflies in Algeria by increasing our knowledge on the hoverfly communities of different environments in the semi-arid Northeast of Algeria: unpolluted riverbank, plant nursery, polluted riverbank, olive orchard (Olea europaea), prickly pear plantations (Opuntia ficus-indica), and a cypress hedge (Cupressus sempervirens). With an entomological net, hoverflies were sampled fortnightly from December 2016 to November 2017. In total 37 species were identified. The unpolluted and polluted riverbanks and the plant nursery had the highest species richness with 26, 24, and 23 species respectively, whereas, the lowest species numbers were detected in the prickly pear plantations, the cypress hedge and the olive orchard with 16, 14, and 10 species respectively. One species was new to North Africa (Eumerus etnensis), whereas four species were recorded for the first time in Algeria (Eumerus obliquus, Eupeodes nuba, Paragus vandergooti and Platycheirus ambiguus). Examined material also contributes to better understand each species phenology in Algeria.