Taxonomic study of genus Sphaerophoria Le Peletier et Serville (Diptera: Syrphidae) with three species from Northern Dry Mountains region of Pakistan

Abstract

To explore the syrphid flies of Northern Dry Mountains Region of Pakistan, collection survey was conducted from 2012-2014 each month in different localities of the study area during active season. Species identification of collected specimen was performed with the help of relevant literature. Three species of genus Sphaerophoria Le Peletier et Serville, 1828 i.e., Sphaerophoria bengalensis Macquart, 1842, Sphaerophoria indiana Bigot, 1884 and Sphaerophoria scripta (Linnaeus, 1758) were recorded in the said region. Diagnostic character with distribution, flower records, illustrations and synonymy are provided for each species. The male genitalia of all the species were figured.