Models of the potential distribution and habitat preferences of the genus Pipiza (Syrphidae: Diptera) on the Balkan peninsula

Abstract

Seven species of the genus Pipiza, collected throughout the southern and western Balkans, were used for the analysis of habitat preferences and potential geographical distribution on the Balkan Peninsula. The analyzed species show a wide and uneven distribution across the delineated geographical-biogeographical regions. The highest number of species noted is from two regions - the Dinaric mountain chain and the Pannonian and subpannonian regions (seven and six). Land cover patch analysis revealed that forests dominate the landscape surroundings of the analyzed species. “Presenceonly models” developed by Maxent support the understanding of the distribution and ecology of each analyzed species. The low probability values of current potential distribution correspond to large non-forested and fragmented forest areas, where, on the other hand, relatively high probabilities overlap with areas of deciduous forests across the peninsula. Results confirm species preference to forest landscapes and emphasize the need for local scale analysis. The studies are of importance in developing regional monitoring schemes and conservation strategies

Stability and changes in the distribution of Pipiza hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) in Europe under projected future climate conditions

“…Additionally, temperature can act indirectly by affecting phenology, abundance and quality of visiting plants that are food resource for adults, as well as for aphids that are larval prey. Although Nikolić et al [50] concluded that most of the Pipiza species prefer forests habitats, our results showed that climate would have the most influential impact on their distribution. Moreover, climate change could fundamentally alter the composition, structure, and biogeography of forests in many regions [92].…”

“…The most recent comprehensive revision of Pipiza taxonomy based on both morphological and molecular evidence resolved 12 European species [49]. However, the ecology and factors shaping the distributions of these hoverflies remains largely understudied [50]. It is known that preferred habitats of Pipiza species mostly include forest, forest edges, tall herbs and shrubs along tracks and in open areas, whereas the predaceous larvae feed on gall-forming aphids on foliage ([51] and references therein).…”

High Phenotypic Diversity Does Not Always Hide Taxonomic Diversity: A Study Case with Cheilosia soror (Zetterstedt, 1843) (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the Iberian Peninsula

“…This could explain the 40-70% likelihood rates of the predictive model in this area instead of percentages close to 100. The degree of coincidence between predictive models and reality could increase if we use other variables that consider the connection of hoverflies with flowering plants and their preference for open or closed areas, like plant type and its coverage percentage or land use [68,69]. As an example, fungus genera employed in our potential distribution analysis have been proved to be very effective to make the model stronger and more accurate, as the expected distribution of the studied species of Cheilosia largely coincided with those of the fungi studied.…”