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The article deals with the association of aphidophagous syrphids with their prey species and their host plants for programming the biocontrol approach against aphid pests. Aphids are tiny sap-sucking bugs and they are important phytophagous pests due to their polymorphism and rapid increase of their numbers by parthenogenetic development. Larvae of syrphids are the most important natural enemies of several sap-sucking insects and are useful bioagents in biological control programmes. After reviewing many articles 48 species of syrphids are recognised as predators of 72 aphid species infesting more than 141 plants of different families. Among these syrphids, Episyrphus balteatus was reported as a predator on maximum number of aphid species (43 species) followed by Ischiodon scutellaris (34 species), Eupeodes confrater (20 species), Betasyrphus serarius (18 species), Paragus serratus (17 species), and Allograpta javana (12 species). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses and aphids, the most recent vectors of viruses (Hemiptera: Aphididae) of the genera Myzus and Aphis, are the main phytosanitary problems of Capsicum spp. (Solanales: Solanaceae) agricultural systems in Colombia. The incorporation of biological control in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes, which can be used to reduce aphid populations in solanaceous crops, is hampered by the lack of information on the natural enemy community, such as parasitoids, predators and generalist aphidophagous. For this reason, the objective of this research was to determine and characterize the community of generalist aphidophagous (Coccinellidae and Syrphidae) in the cultivation of chilli pepper in south‐western Colombia, and to characterize their diet through stomach content analysis using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. Two species of Coccinellidae and one species of Syrphidae were the most abundant predators in commercial crops of Capsicum spp. and fed preferentially on aphids that attacked the pepper plants. The characterization of the diet of these predators using molecular tools revealed intraspecific predation, secondary predation of aphid parasitoids and consumption of alternative prey to the aphids attacking the pepper plants. Differences in diet composition were observed between larval and adult coccinellids, and between coccinellids and the hoverfly species studied. The results suggest that dominant predators may be suitable for use in IPM programmes to control aphids in pepper crops, as their diet consists mainly of aphids that attack pepper plants. In addition, these predators can take advantage of the agricultural matrix by feeding on alternative prey in the absence of aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the association of aphids along with their food plants, parasitoids and predators in varying ecological conditions for the possible use in biological control programs. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects and they are considered an important pest of agricultural and horticultural plants due to sucking of vital nutrients and transmitting viral diseases. During the survey, 41 species of aphids were recorded on 122 plant species in northeast Bihar. Three species of Myzus viz., M. ascalonicus, M. persicae and M. variants were recorded. M. persicae was recorded on 36 food plants from December to April but its peak population was observed during February and March. Five species of parasitoids (Aphelinus albipodus, Aphelinus gossypii, Aphidius colemani, Binodoxys indicus, Diaeretiella rapae, Lipolexis oregmae), five species of coccinellid predators (Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinella transversalis, Micraspis discolor, Scymnus pyrocheilus) and three species of syrphid predators (Dideopsis aegrota, Ischiodon scutellaris, Melanostoma orientale) were recorded on M. persicae. Among these, three parasitoids (B. indicus, L. oregmae, A. gossypii), four coccinellids predators (C. sexmaculata, C. septempunctata, C. transversalis, S. pyrocheilus) and two syrphid predators (D. aegrota, I. scutellaris) were observed abundantly in all localities with a high rate of parasitization/predation on M. persicae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four late season cauliflower genotypes namely Pusa Snowball 1 (PSB 1), Pusa Snowball K1 (PSB K1), Pusa Snowball K25 (PSB K25) and Plantsman Snowball (PMS) were evaluated for their resistance to Diamond Back Moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), during 2018-19. Among the genotypes screened PSB1 and PMS were comparatively less susceptible. Biochemical analyses of leaves from 85 days old healthy plants showed that PMS had higher phenol content (89.9 mg 100g-1) which on par with PSB-1 with 81.43 mg 100g-1 of leaf. This was followed by PSB K25 and PSB K1 with 69.5 and 54.23 mg 100g-1 respectively. The varieties with higher phenol content offered more resistance to DBM. Protein content of the plant showed no correlation with DBM infestation. Foliar application of spinosad (45 % SC @ 56.25 g ai ha-1 +NSKE 2.5 %) recorded a higher reduction (94.40 %) of DBM population over control, with comparatively higher number of syrphids and coccinellids indicating its safety to natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aphids Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae (Davis) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) pose serious threats to the production of cruciferous crops in the tropics. Understanding their population dynamics is important for developing integrated pest management programmes to minimize their damage to crops. This study investigated the effects of climatic factors, natural enemies and plant age on the population dynamics of these pests. The population density of aphids and their natural enemies in 20 cabbage plants, and weather conditions were monitored for five cropping seasons from 2019 to 2021 in two agroecological zones of Ghana (Coastal Savannah and Deciduous Forest zones). The highest population density of L. e pseudobrassicae was recorded in January (dry season) in both agroecological zones, while the highest population density for M. persicae occurred in September (minor rainy season) and August (dry spell) in the Coastal Savannah and Deciduous Forest zones, respectively. The highest aphid densities were noted to occur during periods with low relative humidity and low rainfall. The population density of L. e. pseudobrassicae was significantly negatively related to plant age, air temperature and relative humidity, and positively related to syrphids (Paragus borbonicus) and spiders in the Coastal Savannah zone, while in the Deciduous Forest zone, it was significantly positively related to coccinellids. On the other hand, M. persicae population density was significantly positively related to syrphids and coccinellids in the Deciduous Forest zone. Rainfall negatively affected syrphids in the Coastal Savannah zone, while air temperature positively affected syrphids and negatively affected spiders in the Deciduous Forest zone. Coccinellids had a significant positive relationship with relative humidity in the Deciduous Forest zone. This study provides important insights into the key factors that regulate aphid population densities on cabbage and will support development of timely interventions to manage these pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land abandonment is a multifaceted, nonlinear, worldwide phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors and opinions. The goal of this study was to understand the significance of land abandonment for true bugs and syrphids in three grassland management regimes that includes abandoned, intensive, and extensive alpine organic grasslands. In 2021 and 2022, we sampled true bugs and syrphids by applying observation plot and sweep netting sampling methods. Extensive grasslands had significantly higher true bug and syrphid abundance compared to abandoned grasslands. However, no difference of species richness was found in studied grassland regimes. Large numbers of unique species (25.5% true bugs and 21.5% syrphids) only occurred in the abandoned grasslands but not in intensive and extensive grasslands. Similarly, true bug assemblages in abandoned grasslands differed significantly from assemblages in intensive and extensive grasslands. We found that extensive grassland can manage to increase true bugs and syrphid abundance. Likewise, undisturbed abandoned grassland is not a threat to insect diversity, and supports the survival of more unique true bug and syrphid species. A mosaic landscape consisting of abandoned grassland along with grassland having different, mainly extensive, management intensity could be an ideal arrangement for alpine biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine species of hoverflies of the subfamilies Eristalinae, Pipizinae and Syrphinae are recorded from Ukraine for the first time: Cheilosia himantopus (Panzer, 1798), Orthonevra incisa (Loew, 1843), Neocnemodon verrucula (Collin, 1931), Pipiza luteibarba Vujić, Radenković & Polić, 2008, Trichopsomyia joratensis (Goeldlin de Tiefenau, 1997), T. lucida (Meigen, 1822), Dasysyrphus neovenustus Soszyński, Mielczarek & Tofi lski, 2013, Platycheirus europaeus Goeldlin de Tiefenau, Maibach & Speight, 1990, P. sticticus (Meigen, 1822). Distributions of these species are summarized and species diagnoses are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine species of hoverflies of the subfamilies Eristalinae, Pipizinae and Syrphinae are recorded from Ukraine for the first time: Cheilosia himantopus (Panzer, 1798), Orthonevra incisa (Loew, 1843), Neocnemodon verrucula (Collin, 1931), Pipiza luteibarba Vujić, Radenković & Polić, 2008, Trichopsomyia joratensis (Goeldlin de Tiefenau, 1997), T. lucida (Meigen, 1822), Dasysyrphus neovenustus Soszyński, Mielczarek & Tofilski, 2013, Platycheirus europaeus Goeldlin de Tiefenau, Maibach & Speight, 1990, P. sticticus (Meigen, 1822). Distributions of these species are summarized and species diagnoses are provided.

Simple Summary: Hoverflies are a diverse family of insects (6000+ species) providing multiple ecosystem services and direct benefits to society, for example, in pollination and pest control. The extent to which hoverflies can benefit society depends on how well their basics are known, i.e., taxonomy (classification), biology and ecology. Small and inconspicuous hoverflies such as those of the genera Chrysogaster, Melanogaster, Lejogaster, Orthonevra and Riponnensia (tribe Brachyopini) do not usually catch the attention of the general public neither of scientists, and their classification is often poorly known at least in areas of their range. So, the aim of the present work is to gain knowledge in the classification of hoverflies by studying the species of the five genera above-mentioned in the Iberian Peninsula, which has one of the highest biodiversity levels in Europe. We discovered and described two new species from Spain, promoted a subspecies to species and proposed other nomenclatural acts to stabilise these hoverflies' classification in Europe. Our results are reinforced with DNA analysis to locate the studied species in a wider systematic framework within the Brachyopini. Five genera of Brachyopini, Chrysogaster Meigen, 1800, Melanogaster Rondani, 1857, Lejogaster Rondani, 1857, Orthonevra Macquart, 1829 and Riponnensia Maibach et al. 1994a are here revised from the Iberian region. Two new species, Melanogaster baetica Ricarte and Nedeljković, sp. n. and Orthonevra arcana Ricarte and Nedeljković sp. n., are described from Spain, and a third species, Chrysogaster coerulea Strobl in Czerny and Strobl, 1909 stat. n., is reinstated as valid and redescribed. A lectotype is designated for Orthonevra plumbago (Loew, 1840). The holotype of Orthonevra incisa (Loew, 1843) and the lectotype of O. plumbago are described in detail and illustrated. Melanogaster baetica sp. n. is similar to Melanogaster parumplicata (Loew, 1840) in male genitalia morphology, while O. arcana sp. n. is similar to O. incisa in the entirely-pollinose sternum I and the conspicuous incision on the posterior margin of tergum V in female. The first Iberian record of Chrysogaster rondanii Maibach and Goeldlin de Tiefenau, 1995 is provided, whilst Melanogaster aerosa is removed from the Iberian checklist of Syrphidae. Identification keys are presented to the five Brachyopini genera and 18 species now reported from the Iberian Peninsula (Chrysogaster, 6 spp.; Lejogaster, 2 spp.; Melanogaster, 3 spp.; Orthonevra, 5 spp.; Riponnensia, 2 spp.). COI (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) barcodes of the two new species plus C. coerulea, Chrysogaster solstitialis (Fallén, 1817), Orthonevra nobilis (Fallén, 1817) and Orthonevra frontalis (Loew, 1843) were successfully obtained from Spanish specimens. A COI-based tree was produced to locate these taxa in a wider systematic framework within the tribe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land‐use intensification is the main factor for the catastrophic decline of insect pollinators. However, land‐use intensification includes multiple processes that act across various scales and should affect pollinator guilds differently depending on their ecology. We aimed to reveal how two main pollinator guilds, wild bees and hoverflies, respond to different land‐use intensification measures, that is, arable field cover (AFC), landscape heterogeneity (LH), and functional flower composition of local plant communities as a measure of habitat quality. We sampled wild bees and hoverflies on 22 dry grassland sites within a highly intensified landscape (NE Germany) within three campaigns using pan traps. We estimated AFC and LH on consecutive radii (60–3000 m) around the dry grassland sites and estimated the local functional flower composition. Wild bee species richness and abundance was positively affected by LH and negatively by AFC at small scales (140–400 m). In contrast, hoverflies were positively affected by AFC and negatively by LH at larger scales (500–3000 m), where both landscape parameters were negatively correlated to each other. At small spatial scales, though, LH had a positive effect on hoverfly abundance. Functional flower diversity had no positive effect on pollinators, but conspicuous flowers seem to attract abundance of hoverflies. In conclusion, landscape parameters contrarily affect two pollinator guilds at different scales. The correlation of landscape parameters may influence the observed relationships between landscape parameters and pollinators. Hence, effects of land‐use intensification seem to be highly landscape‐specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syrphid flies are important ecological indicators and provide crucial ecosystem services, being important pollinators and biological control agents of insect pests. These charismatic insects are conspicuous and, due to their size and colourful patterns, are relatively easy to identify. However, the lack of user-friendly literature (e.g. photographic guides) for most areas may hamper its wider selection as a study group in biodiversity and ecological studies. The syrphid fauna of Madeira Archipelago comprises 26 species, including four endemics (Eumerus hispidus Smit, Aguiar & Wakeham-Dawson, 2004; Melanostoma wollastoni Wakeham-Dawson, Aguiar, Smit, McCullough & Wyatt, 2004; Myathropa usta, Wollaston, 1858 and Xanthandrus babyssa, Walker, 1849), but, despite the current good taxonomic knowledge on this group, information on species distribution, ecology and conservation is still lacking. Here, we provide a pictorial key to the adult hoverflies of Madeira Archipelago highlighting diagnostic characteristics and present photographs of both males and females (in dorsal and lateral views) in colour plates. The key and plates will help researchers to differentiate these species, thus encouraging the use of this insect group in future bioindication studies. In addition, this study also aims to engage a broader audience of non-experts in improving the knowledge on the distribution and ecology of Madeira syrphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present investigation was carried out on in vitro mass multiplication, larval feeding capacity, and pollination efficiency of two aphidophagous syrphids viz., Eupeodes frequens (Matsmura) and Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer) (Diptera: Syrphidae) on cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on mustard crop under mid hill conditions. The results revealed that the incubation, larval, and pupal periods were 3.5, 12.4, and 11.9 days, respectively for E. frequens and 3.8, 13.7, and 8.8 days, for E. balteatus. Longevity of male and female was 15.2 and 17.6 days for E. frequens and 10.6 and 12.6 days for E. balteatus, respectively. When the adults were fed on different diets, adult longevity and fecundity recorded significantly maximum on 10% honey solution + fresh pollen grains. E. frequens consumed an average of 261.7 individuals of cabbage aphids per larva during total larval period, whereas the larva of E. balteatus consumed 393.6 cabbage aphids. The pollination efficiency of hoverflies on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) was studied under caged conditions. It was observed that the plants pollinated by E. balteatus and E. frequens showed 55.12 and 52.97% seed set. Among the different diets, fresh pollen grains + 10% honey solutions recorded to be the best diet for mass rearing of syrphids.

In the present work, the Afrotropical species of the bombiformis species group, part of the aureus lineage, are revised. Six species are recognized, based on a combination of morphological and genetic features. Three of these species are new to science: Merodon lotus Vujić & Radenković sp. nov., M. vittatus Vujić & Likov sp. nov., and M. zebra Vujić & Radenković sp. nov. Redescriptions are provided for the other three species: M. bombiformis Hull, 1944, M. multifasciatus Curran, 1939, and M. nasicus Bezzi, 1915. The female of M. bombiformis is described. The name Merodon edentulus Macquart, 1855 is considered here as a nomen dubium. One new synonymy is proposed: M. apimima Hull, 1944 syn. nov. (junior synonym of M. multifasciatus). The distribution of the bombiformis species group is discussed. The larval host plant of M. multifasciatus is identified as Gladiolus. A key to the identification of both males and females of the bombiformis group is provided.

Because of high-value, the crops like Brassica have very low pest-damage thresholds, natural enemies alone are unlikely to replace use of high cost insecticides. However, conservation of natural enemy population is possible by avoiding or applying insecticides at reduced rates and use of habitat manipulation techniques such as ecological engineering, used in the present research work. The selected flower crops apart from hosting natural enemy it is also an alternate source of income to farmers. Among the intercrops, cineraria flower crop reported with less number of aphids and even attracted more number of syrphids as well as coccinellids can be exploited to use as intercrop.

The present investigation was carried out on in vitro mass multiplication, larval feeding capacity, and pollination efficiency of two aphidophagous syrphids viz., Eupeodes frequens (Matsmura) and Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer) (Diptera: Syrphidae) on cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on mustard crop under mid hill conditions. The results revealed that the incubation, larval, and pupal periods were 3.5, 12.4, and 11.9 days, respectively for E. frequens and 3.8, 13.7, and 8.8 days, for E. balteatus. Longevity of male and female was 15.2 and 17.6 days for E. frequens and 10.6 and 12.6 days for E. balteatus, respectively. When the adults were fed on different diets, adult longevity and fecundity recorded significantly maximum on 10% honey solution + fresh pollen grains. E. frequens consumed an average of 261.7 individuals of cabbage aphids per larva during total larval period, whereas the larva of E. balteatus consumed 393.6 cabbage aphids. The pollination efficiency of hoverflies on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) was studied under caged conditions. It was observed that the plants pollinated by E. balteatus and E. frequens showed 55.12 and 52.97% seed set. Among the different diets, fresh pollen grains + 10% honey solutions recorded to be the best diet for mass rearing of syrphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) commonly occurs throughout the country – it can be found in forests, thickets, parks, balks or in home gardens. It is a valuable reservoir of food for beneficial insects and a place of refuge or wintering. Almost every part of the elderberry plant has some uses: the fruits, flowers, leaves, roots, pith and bark. Its fruits and flowers are used in herbal medicine and in the kitchen. S. nigra is a primary host of Aphis sambuci L. feeding, which weakens plant growth, reduces flowering and fruiting, and decreases the ornamental value of these shrubs. Aphid populations are limited by a group of predatory and parasitic organisms, among which an important role is played by predatory Syrphidae. Observations were conducted in the years 2009 and 2010 in Krakow (south Poland, 19°57’E, 50°03’N). Significantly more numerous A. sambuci colonies were observed in 2009 – in the maximum of their abundance, 960 specimens per shoot were noted. Seven syrphid species were noted in A. sambuci colonies: Episyrphus balteatus (Deg.), Epistrophe eligans (Harr.), Sphaerophoria scripta (L.), Syrphus ribesii (L.), Syrphus vitripennis Meig., Scaeva pyrastri (L.) and Eupeodes corollae (Fabr.). E. balteatus dominated in both years of research. Research on the effectiveness of Syrphidae was performed on four commonly occurring species – the most voracious were Epistrophe eligans (Harr.) larvae, eating up to 676 A. sambuci aphids during their development.

Abstract: Farmland biodiversity has declined over the past few decades. European Common Agricultural Policy encourages farmers to set up agri‐environment schemes (AES) that support biodiversity and associated ecosystem services such as pollination. Although few AES are specifically devoted to pollinating insects, many AES could provide resources for pollinators. In Belgium, AES designed to provide seed resources for wild birds (bird‐strip AES) contain mixed‐plant communities that may benefit insects, although their ability to support pollinators has not yet been evaluated. The present study aimed to assess the ability of bird‐strip AES to support pollinating insects. We identified and quantified floral resources, flower‐visiting insects and insect–flower interaction networks over 2 years on four bird strips located in intensive agro‐ecosystems in Belgium. The bird strips contained plant species that were either purposely sown or established spontaneously. The spontaneous Cirsium species, with its high nectar production, offered floral resources that complemented those of the sown species Raphanus sativus and Phacelia tanacetifolia. Most of the flower‐visiting insects considered as pollinators belonged to the orders Hymenoptera and Diptera. In conclusion, bird‐strip AES provided floral resources to pollinators, even in the absence of annual sowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agriculture sector is important in the overall economy of Pakistan. There are many limiting factors in crop production. The two important factors are pest damage and pollination in addition to many others. Pest damage remained a serious problem since the dawn of human civilization. With the advancement of knowledge regarding safety of environment, pests are now tackled through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. In IPM, biological control through use of natural enemies is quite significant and the favored approach. Pollination is an essential ecosystem service. Effective pollination results in increased crop production, quality improvement and more seed production. One of the important groups of pollinators is Syrphid. About 84 species are reported from Pakistan. However, they have not been practically and effectively applied in both IPM and pollination contexts.

A checklist of the family Syrphidae (Diptera) of Serbia is provided in this paper. A total of 412 species and subspecies from 83 genera are reported. Moreover, three species are recorded for the first time from Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Anthropogenic landscape change, such as urbanization, can affect community structure and ecological interactions. Furthermore, changes in ambient temperature and resource availability due to urbanization may affect migratory and non‐migratory species differently. However, the response of migratory species to urbanization is poorly investigated, and knowledge for invertebrates in particular is lacking. Our aim was to investigate whether there was a shift in community structure and phenology of hoverflies in urban landscapes, depending on migratory status. Location: Switzerland. Methods: Using a paired design, we compared urban and rural landscapes to investigate the impact of urbanization on the abundance, diversity and phenology of hoverflies. Furthermore, we tested whether migratory and non‐migratory species responded differently to urbanization. Results: We observed a difference in the response of migratory and non‐migratory hoverfly communities. Although the abundance of hoverflies was higher in the rural ecosystem, driven by a high abundance of migratory species, there was no difference in species richness between the land use types. However, the community structure of non‐migratory species was significantly different between urban and rural ecosystems. The phenology of hoverflies differed between the two ecosystems, with an earlier appearance in the year of migratory species in urban landscapes. Main conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the response of migratory insect communities to urbanization. We demonstrated that migratory and non‐migratory hoverflies respond differently to urbanization. This highlights the importance of differentiating between trait and mobility groups to understand community assemblage patterns in anthropogenic landscapes. The differences in phenology supports the growing evidence that urbanization not only affects the phenology of vegetation, but also affects the higher trophic levels. Changes in the phenology and community composition of species as a result of anthropogenic landscape change may have important implications for the maintenance of key ecosystem functions, such as pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding beta-diversity, i.e. species turnover in space and time, is essential for informing conservation actions. Soaring cultivation of mass flowering crops (e.g. oil seed rape OSR) and loss of semi-natural habitats (SNH) can strongly affect populations of native pollinators, yet it remains unclear how OSR and SNH affect spatial and temporal turnover of pollinator communities. Here, we examined how the landscape-scale proportions of OSR and SNH affect spatial and temporal community turnover in solitary bees and hoverflies, two key provider groups of pollination and pest control services in temperate agro-ecosystems. Using a novel grid-based landscape-wide sampling approach, we quantified pollinator communities within ten 1 km × 1 km landscapes representing independent gradients in OSR and SNH availability. We sampled during and after OSR flowering, in two subsequent years, yielding app. 8800 specimens representing 160 species. Spatial community turnover, measured as the slope of the dissimilarity-distance relationship, was not influenced by the proportion of OSR at any time. In contrast, SNH decreased community turnover for bees during OSR flowering and for hoverflies after flowering, likely caused by pollinator movement between land use types. This suggests that a high availability of SNH may help to promote an even distribution of native bees and hoverflies within temperate agricultural landscapes, hereby potentially stabilizing landscape-wide pollination services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narcissus papyraceus is a style dimorphic species with two floral forms, with anthers at similar height and stigmas above (long-styled L) and below (short-styled S) the anther level. The species is self-incompatible, but intra- and inter-morph compatible. Populations are either dimorphic (including both morphs) in the region of the Strait of Gibraltar, or L-monomorphic (with only L plants) in the inland of the Iberian Peninsula. This variation correlates with the most common floral visitors, being primarily long-tongued and short-tongued pollinators, respectively, a rare condition in Mediterranean plants. The maintenance of S-flowers relies on long-tongued insects, as only those deliver pollen to short-styled stigmas. Narcissus flowers present a long and narrow tube, at the bottom of which nectar accumulates, and a floral corona, which has been proposed as an important trait for the attraction of pollinators. Here we tested the importance of the corona on pollination of L and S flowers., We described UV reflectance patterns of the corona and tepals, and characterised VOCs in intact flowers and flowers with trimmed coronas. We also conducted a field experiment in the dimorphic and monomorphic region to estimate the importance of corona removal on seed production in stands with solitary plants and in groups to control for compatible pollen limitation., Reflectance was higher in the tepals than the corona , although both traits presented a reflectance peak around 450 nm wavelength. L- and S-flowers produced similar volatiles, regardless of the manipulation of the corona. Across dimorphic and monomorphic regions, S-flowers with the corona removed suffered a reduction in seed production of ca. 50%, while seed production remained similar in L flowers both with the corona intact and removed. Plants in solitary stands suffered a strong reduction in seed production, which was more pronounced in the monomorphic region., Our results suggest that the corona in Narcissus is more important for the pollination of S-flowers, which generally have lower seed production compared to L-flowers. Taken together, these results suggest that the floral corona indirectly plays an important role for maintenance of the polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During two seasons of observations, 244 specimens of hoverflies belonging to 16 species and four trophic groups were collected from herb flowers. Predatory species constituted about 50% of all the registered species and from 55% (2010) to 64% (2011) of all the specimens found. The most numerous flower-visiting species within this group were small, poor flyers, typical of communities with low plants-Sphaerophoria scripta (Linnaeus 1758) (19.6% in 2010 and 23.5% in 2011) and Eupeodes corollae (Fabricius 1794) (13.4% and 12.1%, respectively). Both species were classified to the eudominant group. Syrphus vitripennis (Meigen 1822) and Melanostoma mellinum (Linnaeus 1758) were classed as dominants. Non-predatory saprophagous species from the subfamily Eristalinae constituted about 25% of all collected species; the phytophagous group was scarce represented by Eumerus funeralis (Meigen 1822), E. strigatus (Fallen 1817) and Merodon rufus (Meigen 1838). Of the coprophagous species, only Syritta pipiens (Linnaeus 1758) was collected (6.8-8.0%). There were clear differences between flowers in terms of feeding visits by adult hoverflies. Matricaria chamomilla L. and Thymus vulgaris L. were the most attractive flowers, whereas Origanum vulgare L., Carum carvi L., Lavandula angustifolia L. and Hyssopus officinalis L. were of an intermediate visit status and Ocimum basilicum L. was relatively under-visited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responses of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) to climate change remain mostly unexplored. Here, for the first time, we investigate the impact of climate change on both presence/absence and abundances of hoverfly species. We used generalized linear models to analyse the relationships of climatic and soil variables with the occurrence and abundance of Cheilosia species on the Balkan Peninsula. Our results show that the ranges of all and the abundances of many species are projected to decrease in the future. Climatically suitable conditions for mountainous species are predicted to generally shift northwards. Species adapted to high mountains are projected to almost vanish from the Balkans and only regions of the Alps would remain suitable for them. We found climatic variables were more important in determining abundance than occurrence. Given that environmental factors differed in terms of their impact on abundance and occurrence, we highlight the importance of monitoring both parameters to ensure effective conservation. Considering the different projected responses of hoverflies to future climate change, as well as their value as pollinators and the increasing threats they currently face, knowledge on their responses to the major drivers of their life-histories is indispensable for proper management and conservation action. We reveal that nationally-designated protected areas are insufficient to conserve the species considered here, both currently and under projected climate change. We recommend implementation of an integrated conservation management plan that can provide a continuum of protected areas along the Dinaric mountain chain to facilitate movement of species to enhance species survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in twenty different managed and unmanaged apple orchards of Murree for determining relationship of different pollinator groups with crop yield. Apple is dependent on insect pollinators to set fruit. Farmers in Pakistan are generally not aware of pollination needs of apple. Results depicted a high population decline of Syrphids and Non-Apis bees. Syrphids were recorded as 12.65 to 13.85 per 250 flowers in 2013 but decreased in year 2014 by 7.82 to 7.88 per 250 flowers and Non-Apis bees was recorded as 6.15 to 7.59 per 250 flowers in 2013 which also decreased and recorded as 5.35 to 5.70 per 250 flowers in year 2014. The results showed the trends of increase in population of Apis mellifera and Apis cerana between 8.22 to 11.5 per 250 flowers in 2013 as compared to 1.12 to 13.92 per 250 flowers in 2014, whereas population of indigenous Apis cerana varied between 3.80 to 5.44 h per 250 flowers in 2013 as compared to year 2014 where it was recorded as 4.34 to 5.56 honey bees per 250 flowers. Apple fruits yield per tree ranged between 214.56 to 218.64 in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Average fruit weight varied between 124.84 to 127.34 g, average number of seeds varied between 7.95 to 7.73 seeds per fruit and yield per tree was recorded between 28.92 to 31.65 kg per tree. Number of Apple fruits per tree ranged between 145.72 to 164.58 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Average fruit weight varied between 103.66 to 112.13 g and average number of seeds varied between 7.73 to 7.95 seeds per fruit and yield per tree was recorded between 17.34 to 21.78 kg per tree. Eighteen different species were recorded under 16 genus and 07 families. Ceratina hieroglyphica, Halictus subauratus, Osmia caerulescens were reported first time from Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted to study the population dynamics of potential bioagents of mustard aphids on 9 different cultivars which included: Brassica alba cv. PSB-I, Eruca sativa Mill cv. T-27, Brassica campestris cv. BSH-I, Brassica napus cv. Sheetal, B. carinata Braun cv. CCN-06-1, B. juncea L. cv. Varuna, B. nigra Koch. cv. PBR-I, Brassica campestris cv.YST-151 and Brassica campestris cv. PT-30. Population of aphid and natural enemies was recorded at weekly intervals. The results indicated that the first appearance of coccinellids and syrphids has been observed during 4th standard week, which gradually build up population and attained peak during 9th (pooled mean 1.42 coccinellids/ plant and 0.122 syrphid larva/plant) and 8th standard week (pooled mean 3.96 coccinellids/plant and 0.228 syrphid larva/plant) in 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively, followed by a declining trend in the following weeks. Similarly first appearance of parasitization has been found to occur from 4th standard week followed by a gradual increase in the following weeks with maximum parasitization on PT-30 (33.32%) and BSH-1 (35.25%) during 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively. Correlation between abiotic factors and these natural enemies was also studied. It has been observed that with the increase of aphid population the population of natural enemies also increased. The population dynamics of mustard aphids and its natural enemies varied according to climatic situations and between host plant species. So by computing population trends of both natural enemies and aphids with meterological records would generate information on relative abundance and would certainly help in formulating sound pest management strategies against mustard aphid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aphid, Aphis odinae (Van der Goot) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a polyphagous, occasional insect pest of cashew. A field survey was conducted from 2014 to 2015 in cashew plantations to record the incidence of aphid and its predators. Periodical sampling revealed, the occurrence of six species of aphidophagous predators comprising three species of coccinellids, viz., Scymnus castaneus Sicard, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) and Pseudaspidimerus flaviceps (Walker) and three species of syrphids, viz., Paragus serratus (Fabricius), Dideopsis aegrota (Fabricius) and Ischidon scutellaris (Fabricius) were found predating on A. odinae. All the immature stages of predators were found predating on first, second, third and fourth instars of the aphid. Among the coccinellids, the dominant species were S. castaneus (4.26 grubs/nut) followed by C. sexmaculata (0.42 grubs/leaf) and P. flaviceps (0.14 grubs/nut). Of the syrphids, P. serratus 2.39 larvae/nut was the major predator. The species D. aegrota (1.2 larvae/leaf) and I. scutellaris (0.5 larvae/nut) were recorded as minor predators. Seasonal abundance of predators was synchronized with the aphid with a maximum occurrence during February 2015. The aphid population gradually reduced from April onwards due to the voracious feeding activity of the predators. The study concluded that the aphidophagous predators, viz., coccinellids and syrphids play a major role in managing the aphid A. odinae in cashew and could be encouraged for augmentation and conservation of these predators in a cashew based ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important predator-prey interactions is functional response which its type and parameters are affected by different factors including host plant characteristics. In this research, the influence of leaf surface on functional response and prey consumption rate of third instar larvae of the Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer, 1776) (Diptera: Syrphidae) to third instar nymphs of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were studied on sweet pepper and cucumber leaves. The results demonstrated that leaf surface of host plants; different prey densities and their interaction had significant effects on the numbers of prey killed by a predator. Logistic regression indicated type Ш functional response on both host plant leaves. The values of b constant were 0.00231 and 0.00351h-1 while handling time (Th) estimates were 0.14 h and 0.095 h on cucumber and sweet pepper leaves respectively. Moreover, plant leaves and different prey densities had significant effect on the prey consumption rate and voracity of predator. The maximum voracity values reached were 180.73 ± 7.71 and 282.25 ± 11.71 nymphs on cucumber and sweet pepper leaves respectively. These results emphasize on the importance of physical traits of host plant surface on the performance and searching efficiency of natural enemies that should be considered for optimizing their application in aphid biological control.

Syrphids provide ecosystem services, since adults are pollinators and larvae are aphid predators. The presence of their natural enemies can negatively affect biological control. To examine the syrphids and their parasitoids in organic crops of the Horticultural Belt of La Plata, samplings in broccoli, lettuce and round zucchini were performed. Allograpta exotica and Toxomerus duplicatus, and the parasitoids Diplazon laetatorius and Pachyneuron aff. nelsoni were identified. P. nelsoni would be the first record for America and the first one for A. exotica as a host. After the confirmation the identity of this species, we will investigate its effects on biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect pollinators play a keystone role in terrestrial ecosystems. The parallel declines in plant and pollinator communities emphasizes that plant-pollinator interactions at the community level are highly relevant for biodiversity conservation. Here we examine relationships between plants and flower-visiting insects (anthophiles) at the scale of local floral patches. We conducted a visitation survey during the spring flowering season, a peak time for pollinator activity in the threatened Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. We tested floral density, diversity and composition as predictors of anthophile diversity (measured at the family/family group level) and visitation rates in multispecies stands of flowers. Although different anthophile groups responded differently, generally anthophile visitation rates and diversity were positively affected by floral density, diversity and community structure. Anthophiles were more abundant and diverse in areas with a high density and diversity of flowers. Plant community structure affected both the likelihood of occurrence and activity of anthophiles in the plots. The two mass flowering species examined here, Relhania fruticosa and Salvia chamaeleagnea, were strong determinants of anthophile activity, greatly increasing visitation rates, even though there was, on average, lower floral density and diversity. Our results show that anthophile activity is affected by highly localised, small-scale factors, namely the density and diversity of flowers and community structure. Important among these factors are patches of high quality habitat, high in floral abundance and diversity, both of which should be included in landscape-level plans for pollinator conservation, providing stepping stones for these insects in transformed landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global trends in pollinator-dependent crops have raised awareness of the need to support managed and wild bee populations to ensure sustainable crop production. Provision of sufficient forage resources is a key element for promoting bee populations within human impacted landscapes, particularly those in agricultural lands where demand for pollination service is high and land use and management practices have reduced available flowering resources. Recent government incentives in North America and Europe support the planting of wildflowers to benefit pollinators; surprisingly, in North America there has been almost no rigorous testing of the performance of wildflower mixes, or their ability to support wild bee abundance and diversity. We tested different wildflower mixes in a spatially replicated, multiyear study in three regions of North America where production of pollinatordependent crops is high: Florida, Michigan, and California. In each region, we quantified flowering among wildflower mixes composed of annual and perennial species, and with high and low relative diversity. We measured the abundance and species richness of wild bees, honey bees, and syrphid flies at each mix over two seasons. In each region, some but not all wildflower mixes provided significantly greater floral display area than unmanaged weedy control plots. Mixes also attracted greater abundance and richness of wild bees, although the identity of best mixes varied among regions. By partitioning floral display size from mix identity we show the importance of display size for attracting abundant and diverse wild bees. Season-long monitoring also revealed that designing mixes to provide continuous bloom throughout the growing season is critical to supporting the greatest pollinator species richness. Contrary to expectation, perennials bloomed in their first season, and complementarity in attraction of pollinators among annuals and perennials suggests that inclusion of functionally diverse species may provide the greatest benefit. Wildflower mixes may be particularly important for providing resources for some taxa, such as bumble bees, which are known to be in decline in several regions of North America. No mix consistently attained the full diversity that was planted. Further study is needed on how to achieve the desired floral display and diversity from seed mixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasonovia ribisnigri Mosley (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is the most damaging aphid species of lettuce grown in open fields. Populations of N. ribisnigri are developing resistance to insecticides, making their control difficult. Botanicals are an alternative for pest control. Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) is a relevant crop in the production of essential oils. The effect of aqueous nano-formulations of this oil and its main compound (E) -anethole were tested against N. ribisnigri in a growth chamber, a greenhouse (in spring for two years, 2019 and 2020) and in the open field in a plot in the Southeast of Spain (Torrepacheco, Murcia) in May 2019. Aniseed essential oil nanoemulsions were prepared using a laboratory dispersing machine at a high-speed regime (10 min, 7940 revs/min, 15 °C) using Tween80 as a surfactant at a 1:2 ratio. Foliar applications of aniseed essential oil at concentrations of 0.2% and 0.4% (0.1 and 0.2 mL respectively) to lettuce plants infested with homogeneous populations of N. ribisnigri reduced the number of insects compared with the control in the laboratory (efficacies > 50%) and greenhouse (efficacies > 25%, 48 h after treatment) experiments. During the field trial, a reduction in the aphid populations was also produced after the application of the products, without any phytotoxic effects observed on the crop. Likewise, (E) -anethole gave similar results as aniseed essential oil (with efficiencies of up to 47% with respect to the control) without damaging the plant. • Aniseed essential oil and (E) -anethole are toxic against Nasonovia ribisnigri. • Aniseed and (E) -anethole reduced or slowed the aphid development in field experiments. • Syrphids and ladybugs were not affected by aniseed and (E) -anethole treatments. • The application of aniseed essential oil is compatible with biological control. • Treatments did not produce phytotoxic effects on lettuce under the conditions tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 20 insect species were observed visiting on mango flowers belonging to eight species of the order Diptera, seven species of Hymenoptera, three species of Lepidoptera, one species of Hemiptera and one species of Coleoptera. The Dipterans constituted major group of insects visiting on mango flowers. Among the dipterans, syrphids (Family: Syrphidae; subfamilies: Syrphinae and Eristalinae) were observed the most frequent visitors, constituted (44.67%) the major group of visitors. The syrphids species included Episyrphus balteatus DeGeer, Melanostoma orientale Weid, Syrphus corollae Fab. and Eristalis tenax L. Of these, E. balteatus exhibited marked higher incidence on mango and as compared to other syrphids. Besides syrphids, other dipterans, viz. Musca domestica belonging to the family Muscidae and subfamily Muscinae, were also observed as the occasional visitors (0.50 per cent) on mango flowers. The Hymenopterans were monitored as second major group of insects found visiting on mango flowers. Of these, the family Apidae and subfamily Apinae contributed 40.95% and represented by three main species of thegenus Apis, viz. A. dorsata Fab., A. mellifera L., and A. cerana indica Fab. Among the non apis bees of family Melliponae: Melliponinae (Tetragonula laeviceps) and Xylocopidae: Xylocopinae (Xylocopa aestuans L.) were observed to constituted 9.10 per cent and 2.07 per cent respectively. In addition to this some Hemipterans, Lepidopterans and Coleopterans were also found on mango inflorescence that contributed 0.17, 0.20 and 0.42 per cent, respectively.