Modelling the potential geographic distribution and diversity of nine strictly protected species of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Serbia.

Abstract

According to Law on Environmental Protection, 33 species of hoverflies in Serbia are strictly protected. The aim of this study was to predict the current species distribution of strictly protected hoverflies, as well as to create maps of current species diversity in Serbia. Maximum entropy approach (MAXENT software, version 3.3.3) has been used to model suitable climatic habitat. Only nine (Cheilosia griseifacies Vujić, 1994, Cheilosia insignis Loew, 1857, Cheiosia melanura rubra Vujić, 1996, Cheilosia schnabli Becker, 1894, Heringia larusi Vujić, 1999, Merodon desuturinus Vujić, Šimić & Radenković, 1995, Orthonevra montana Vujić, 1999, Pipizella zloti Vujić, 1997, Sphegina sublatifrons Vujić, 1990) of 33 species were modeled due to sample restriction. Results have shown that the greatest impact of climate parameters, in a large number of species, have a mean temperature of wettest quarter and mean temperature of driest quarter. Models has indicated that North Dinaric mountains and mountains in eastern Serbia are highly suitable for six species (C. insignis, H. larusi, M. desuturinus, O. montana, P. zloti, S. sublatifrons) and north Serbia - Province Vojvodina for another two species (C. griseifacies, C. schnabli), while C. melanura rubra has potential to inhabit the South Dinaric mountains. Diversity map of strictly protected species of hoverflies in Serbia has shown that the areas with the largest number of species in Serbia are mountains Kopaonik and Dubasnica. Results in this paper can significantly contribute to the further monitoring and conservation of strictly protected hoverflies in Serbia.