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https://doi.org/10.20302/NC.2026.35.23

First overview of the hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) fauna in Međimurje County, northern Croatia

Toni Koren ; Alexanor, nature surveys and consulting, Šipkovica 20a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Association Hyla, Lipovac I., n 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia *
Mihailo Vujić ; HabiProt, Cankareva 9/13, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia

* Dopisni autor.

Prilozi: Koren_supplementary_syrph.pdf

Sažetak

Hoverflies (Syrphidae) are among the most ecologically important groups of insects, playing a key role in pollination, decomposition of organic matter, and regulation of aphid populations. Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, they are often used as bioindicators of ecosystem integrity. In Međimurje County, as in most parts of Croatia, no systematic or recent studies of this insect group have been conducted until now. Hoverfly observations were collected unsystematically between 2019 and 2024, while in 2025 they were collected systematically, once per month, between March and October. In total, data were collected at 36 localities. A total of 64 species were recorded, the most common and widespread species were Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer, 1776) and Sphaerophoria scripta (Linnaeus, 1758), recorded at 15 and 14 sites, respectively. Total of 26 species were recorded at only a single site, most of them associated with specific microhabitat conditions such as old forests, hollow trees, or wet and marshy areas. Two recorded species are listed on the European Red List of Hoverflies: Brachyopa maculipennis Thompson, 1980 as Endangered (EN) and Pipizella annulata (Macquart, 1829) as Near Threatened (NT).
Nine species were recorded for the first time in Croatia: Brachyopa maculipennis Thompson, 1980, Mesembrius peregrinus (Loew, 1846), Cheilosia bergenstammi Becker, 1894, Pipizella annulata (Macquart, 1829), Platycheirus angustatus (Zetterstedt, 1843), Platycheirus peltatus (Meigen, 1822), Epistrophe flava Doczkal & Schmid, 1994, Epistrophella euchroma (Kowarz, 1885) and Meligramma triangulifera (Zetterstedt, 1843), bringing the total number of hoverfly species recorded in the country to 303.
Although the study recorded several rare and potentially threatened species, these findings should not be interpreted as evidence of well-preserved habitats. Međimurje County is strongly affected by anthropogenic pressures, and natural habitats persist only as small, isolated remnants within a highly fragmented landscape. Nevertheless, the continued presence of are and threatened species highlights the remaining conservation value of these habitats and emphasises the importance of preventing further degradation. Long-term improvement can only be achieved through habitat restoration, conservation of traditional grasslands, and sustainable management of the remaining natural habitats. The results of this study provide an important baseline for future monitoring of species and community changes, as well as for planning more effective pollinator conservation measures.

Ključne riječi

pollinators; saproxylic species; wetland habitats; species distribution

Hrčak ID:

350509

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/350509

Datum izdavanja:

31.12.2026.

Posjeta: 0 *