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.

AbstractMerodon natansgroup (Diptera, Syrphidae) taxa are reviewed using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological, morphometric and molecular techniques. The approach substantiates recognition of the three species:M. calcaratus(Fabricius, 1794),M. natans(Fabricius, 1794) andM. pulverisVujić & Radenković in Radenković et al. 2011, and reveals the existence of a new species,M. makrisiVujić, Radenković & Totsp. nov., which is described. It also highlights the existence of a series ofnatansgroup populations, especially on some of the Mediterranean islands, in the Levant and in the Afrotropical Region, for which more comprehensive data are required to clarify their status. A key is provided to thenatanslineage species currently recognised, and preimaginal stages of somenatans-group species are described for the first time. Redescriptions forM. calcaratusandM. natansare provided. A neotype is selected forM. natans. Lectotypes are designated forM. annulatus(Fabricius, 1794) andM. melancholicus(Fabricius, 1794).Merodon annulatusis recognised as a synonym ofM. natans.

The study of the hoverfly fauna of Cyprus resulted in the discovery of one new species to science, Pelecocera hederae van Eck spec. nov. In the present study, the new species is described in full and all other Palaearctic Pelecocera species are commented. As a result of this study, a revised identification key to the Palaearctic species of Pelecocera is presented. In addition, we performed a DNA barcoding analysis for the Palaearctic species of Pelecocera, including new DNA data and all the Pelecocera sequences publicly available. DNA barcoding supports the new species Pelecocera hederae van Eck spec. nov., as well as most of the Palaearctic species of this genus, with the exception of two pairs of taxa: Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) japonica (Shiraki, 1956) and Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) lusitanica (Mik, 1898), and Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) pruinosomaculata Strobl, 1906 and Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) scaevoides (Fallén, 1817). Taxonomic acts Pelecocera hederae spec. nov. – urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6674C895-CB63-4379-BA8B-227F779481CF

BackgroundThe hoverfly Pseudodoros nigricollis Becker, 1903 is a rarely collected species, of which information on its distribution and ecology is poorly understood.New informationIn this paper the first records of the hoverfly Pseudodoros nigricollis from Cyprus are provided and discussed. The discovery indicates that this Afrotropical species is approaching the European continent. Short notes on the habitat in which it has been collected are provided. The relationship with the mealy plum aphid Hyalopterus pruni is discussed. Clues on further research are given.

A survey of the hoverfly fauna of northeastern Algeria was carried out in 1991 and 1992, and seventy-three species recorded. Four species are new for Algeria: Dasysyrphus albostriatus, Chamaesyrphus lusitanicus, Brachypalpus laphriformis and Spilomyia maroccana . The genera Dasysyrphus, Chamaesyrphus and Brachypalpus are new for Algeria. Data on the distribution and the seasonal pattern of each species are provided. Species richness was found highest amongst wetlands (up to 38) and forested hills (up to 29). In contrast, degraded sites held the lowest numbers of hoverflies. Species such as Episyrphus balteatus, Sphaerophoria scripta, Syritta pipiens and Eristalis tenax were widespread and abundant, whereas others were rare (Platycheirus albimanus) or confined to forested hills, such as the North African endemic Volucella liquida. A good knowledge of the Syrphidae will pave the way to a close monitoring of global changes affecting the region and the conservation of an important but much neglected group in one of the foremost biodiversity hotspots of the Maghreb. Keywords : Syrphids, distribution, biodiversity, conservation, Algeria.