Genus Scaeva (Syrphidae, Diptera) in Galicia (NW Spain)

Three species have been reported in Galicia, and one more has been reported nearby:

-S. dignota
-S. pyrastri
-S. selenitica
-S. albimaculata (nearby)

S. pyrastri is easy to identify: the markings in the abdomen are almost white and not very curved, while S. albimaculata has squarish spots, and the other two species have heavily curved yellow markings.

S selenitica and S. dignota are difficult to distinguish: males are possible to ID by the angle that the eyes make when they meet in the front of the head: 90-106 degrees for S. dignota and 120-136 in S. selenitica. Females are tricky, and multiple traits should be used. They are described in this article: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262917841_Scaeva_dignota_RONDANI_1857_Diptera_Syrphidae_-_first_records_in_Poland

Posted on March 26, 2024 11:45 AM by antonva