Distribution of species from the Merodon ruficornis Meigen, 1822 group (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Abstract

The large phytophagous genus Merodon Meigen, 1803, distributed in the Palaearctic and Ethiopian regions, comprises more than 170 species. The most comprehensive study of this genus was done by Hurkmans (1993), containing descriptions of 61 species and 11 monophyletic species groups. The ruficornis group is very interesting and specific, that includes species with special structures on the hind legs (trochanter, femur and tibia with processes). The male genitalia (with characteristic hook-like anterior surstyle lobe), usually the most well-used taxonomic character in the whole genus, is less valuable in this group. In this paper, the distribution of 18 species (seven newly described) from the ruficornis group is discussed, with special attention to the connection with the distribution of possible host-plant species of Ornithogalum L.