Recherches taxonomiques sur les Pelecocera de France, avec discussion de leur répartition et écologie (Diptera, Syrphidae)

Abstract

Taxonomic researches on Pelecocera from France, with a discussion of their distribution and ecology (Diptera, Syrphidae). The discovery of a new species of the genus Pelecocera led us to revise all the French material of this genus. This revision has been the subject of many twists and turns. We detail them here chronologically, from the discovery of Pelecocera garrigae Lair & Nève, 2022, to the understanding of the application of the name P. lugubris Perris, 1839, to the French specimens previously identified as P. lusitanica Mik, 1898, by several recent authors. An illustrated identification key in French is provided for all the Pelecocera species occurring in France. The distribution and ecology of the six species of Pelecocera of the French fauna are discussed. The regional phenology of several species depends strongly on the altitude, with the emergence of the imagines in spring or autumn according to the species. The imagines occur during favourable conditions of temperature and relative humidity, ensuring them food and necessary conditions for the larvae. These adaptations, very interesting to observe for the understanding of each species, make Pelecocera species potential models to understand the phenology of other insects.