New records and distribution of species from genus Arctophila schiner, 1860 (Diptera: Syrphidae: Eristalinae) in Serbia

Mihailo Vujić,Milan Đurić,Ivan Tot

doi:10.5937/kgjsci2042151v

Abstract

The genus Arctophila comprises large, bumblebee-like species of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae). In Europe occur three species from this genus: A. bequaerti, A. bombiforme and A. superbiens and all of them were recorded in Serbia. Species from this genus were registered only on few mountains in Serbia and are considered rare in the country. During a survey conducted in 2018 and 2019, all three species were registered at several localities. The new findings of these species, photographs, maps of distribution and flight period diagram are presented in this paper. The descriptions of localities and observations related to the ecology of the species are also presented.

Highlights

Hoverflies (Syrphidae) are one of the most species-rich families of Diptera, with over 6000 described species belonging to 188 genera (THOMPSON, 2013)
A. bombiforme and A. superbiens are widespread species in Europe but their range is mostly restricted to mountainous areas (SPEIGHT, 2015)
41 specimens of all three Arctophila species occuring in Serbia and Europe were collected – A. bequaerti, A. bombiforme and A. superbiens

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Hoverflies (Syrphidae) are one of the most species-rich families of Diptera, with over 6000 described species belonging to 188 genera (THOMPSON, 2013). In Europe occur about 870 species, while the hoverfly fauna list in Serbia contains 412 species (SPEIGHT, 2016; VUJIĆ et al, 2018) This family is widespread in the world and is an ecologically important group of insects that perform ecosystem services, like plant pollination, predation of plant pests and nutrient recycling (ROTHERAY and GILBERT, 2011). The wing contains characteristic wedge-shaped dark spot in the middle, arista is feathered with long hairs and face is extended downwards so it forms a conical snout Species from this genus may be confused with other bumblebee-like syrphids like Pocota Le Peletier & Serville, 1828 and Criorhina Meigen, 1822 (though they have bare arista) or Volucella Geoffroy, 1762 (with closed R1 vein on the wing) (VAN VEEN, 2004). A. bombiforme and A. superbiens are widespread species in Europe but their range is mostly restricted to mountainous areas (SPEIGHT, 2015)

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

References: