Contribution to the knowledge on distribution, abundance, and species richness of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Turkey

This study was carried out for the determination of distribution, abundance, and species richness of hoverflies in the Lakes Region of Turkey between the years 2014–2016. Samplings were done between April and October of each year. A total of 6595 specimens belonging to 113 species, divided into two subfamilies (Syrphinae and Eristalinae) and 39 genera were determined. Eumerus bicornis Grković, Vujić et Hayat, 2019; Merodon albidus Šašić Zorić, Ačanski et Vujić, 2020; Merodon chrysurus Hurkmans et Vujić, 2020; Merodon defectus Vujić, Likov et Radenković, 2020; Merodon longisetus Vujić, Radenković et Likov, 2020; Merodon obstipus Vujić, Radenković et Likov, 2020 were described as new species for science. Whereas the most abundant species were Sphaerophoria scripta (29.87%) and Syritta pipiens (17.76%), subdominant species were Eristalis tenax, Melanostoma mellinum, Eristalis arbustorum and Eupeodes corollae. The majority of species, 89 out of 113 were recognized as rare (relative contribution 10.72%). Species distribution maps, species richness, abundance, as well as Shannon–Wiener (H’) index, species seasonal dynamic, and species sex ratio were calculated to indicate the diversity of Syrphidae species. To obtain present and for the period 2061–2080 species richness patterns and detect areas with the highest richness, we conducted a Species Distribution Modelling procedure. Considering current potential species richness, areas predicted to be most suitable for investigated hoverfly species (potentially having 29–37 species) were central-east and central-west parts of Isparta, as well as southern parts of Afyonkarahisar and northern parts of Burdur provinces. In the period of 2061–2080, it is predicted that the most suitable areas will shift from Isparta to the north and central parts of Burdur and to the western part of the Konya provinces. It is hoped that this study will stimulate further studies on the family Syrphidae in Turkey.