Introduction

Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae), also known as flower flies, represent a large group of around 6,000 described species that can be found around the world. The family remains relatively understudied, especially in the tropics, and there are still many unknown species out there.

Hoverflies, like all true flies, have two wings. Their hind wings have evolved into halteres that control flight and enable hovering behavior. Some hoverflies are difficult to recognize because they closely mimic other insects (e.g. wasps, sawflies) that are perceived as dangerous or unpalatable by potential predators. A common feature of (almost) all hoverflies is the spurious vein or vena spuria. This darkened band in the wing is actually a reinforced hinge that looks like a vein. The vena spuria, in combination with two outer cross-veins that create a false wing margin, are unique for hoverflies.

Apart from being attractive to look at, hoverflies are an important part of ecosystems. The adults often feed on flowers (hence their other name, flower flies), making them important pollinators. Hoverfly larvae also perform an integral ecological role in many different habitats and have many different feeding behaviors. Some feed on plants, some on detritus and others are predators.

To contribute to the knowledge on hoverflies, their distribution and taxonomy, the hoverfly work group Syritta was created. Syritta aims to assist in ongoing hoverfly studies, to support in identifying stored specimens and to actively monitor and survey hoverflies around the world.