An overview of the Syrphidae (Diptera) of Saudi Arabia
Despite the species richness of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) world-wide (about 6,200 species) and their role as agents
for controlling plant pests, their significance as pollinators, and as bioindicators of site quality, hoverfly fauna of Saudi
Arabia is poorly known. In exploring the biodiversity of Diptera in southwest Saudi Arabia a survey of the hoverfly fauna
of Jazan, Asir, Najran and Al-Baha was performed mainly using Malaise traps, sweep nets and light traps from 2011 to
2014. Forty known species of Syrphidae were identified and recorded in this study, 19 of them new to Saudi Arabia.
This makes the total number of Syrphidae species recorded in Saudi Arabia (including one species recorded by others)
is 41. In addition, three taxa belonging to the genera Eumerus Meigen, Orthonevra Macquart, and Paragus Latreille that
could not be identified safely to species level because there were no adequate identification keys or males were missing
in the collected material. A key to the genera of Syrphidae occurring in Saudi Arabia is provided. The fauna of Syrphidae
recorded in this study consists much more of Afrotropical zoogeographical elements than Palaearctic ones. A complete
checklist of Syrphidae of Saudi Arabia is provided. Biological data, where known, and world-wide distribution of the
studied taxa are provided. This paper is published with the purpose of assisting biogeographical, biological or ecological
studies on syrphids in Saudi Arabia.
Despite the species richness of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) world-wide (about 6,200 species) and their role as agents
for controlling plant pests, their significance as pollinators,…