Seasonal variation in abundance and composition of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) communities in Multan, Pakistan.
Asif Sajjad, Shafqat Saeed, Muhammad Ashfaq
Author Affiliation: Department of Entomology, University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Zoology 42 : 105-115
Abstract : Species composition and population dynamics of hoverflies (Diptera:Syrphidae) in relation to some abiotic and biotic factors were studied over a year long period in the District Multan, Pakistan. The community of hoverflies was composed of 14 species which were recorded from 59 plant species. Among Syrphinae, Ischiodon scutellaris, Episyrphus balteatus and Sphaerophoria bengalensis were the most abundant whereas among Milesiinae, Eristalinus aeneus and Eristalinus laetus were the most frequent floral visitors. The peak abundance and richness of hoverflies was observed in spring (March-April), the time when the maximum numbers (35) of plant species were in flowering. Only four species i.e. E. aeneus, E. laetus, Mesembrius bengalensis and Paragus serratus remained active all through the year in variable abundance. Among agricultural and wild plant species, Mangifera indica and Launaea procumbens were visited by the maximum number of syrphid species or in highest abundance, respectively. On the basis of similarity in floral host plant visitation frequencies, Syrphinae could easily be distinguished from Miliesiinae. Abundance of hoverflies was positively correlated with the floral abundance and flowering plant species, while temperature and relative humidity were negatively or only weakly correlated.