Two New Species of Flower Fly has been Discovered in Kerala

Mesembrius Rondani, 1857 This genus is an Old World genus with about 58 species in such diverse areas as the Mediterranean basin and the Palearctic regions of the Oriental, Australasian and African tropics. They belong to the subfamily Aristalinae within the tribe Aristalini.

Flower fly research by Shadpada Entomology Research Lab

Researchers at the Sapada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) at Christ College, Irinjalakuda, recently made an interesting discovery. Research Pandit Atul Shankar C, Assistant Professor Dr Vijay C and Associate Professor Dr Shaji E.M. Two species of flower flies, Mesembrium bengalensis and M . This is the first time this species has been found in Kerala.

Ecological importance of flower flies

Flower flies belonging to the Syrphidae family play important ecological roles. These flies evolved to mimic bees and wasps to help them survive by fending off predators. Beyond survival strategies, flower flies are important as pollinators and their larvae act as biological regulators and nutrient recyclers. This ecological role underscores the importance of documenting and understanding their distribution and behavior.

Contributions to entomological research

The team’s findings were published in the prestigious journal ENTOMON. This research not only adds species to the fauna of Kerala but also enhances the biological understanding of the region. In a literature survey conducted by the team, a total of 59 species of flower flies were recorded in Kerala before the discovery, indicating rich biodiversity.

Research methods and conclusions

Athul Shankar C and his team used entomological methods including stereozoom microscope and digital imaging to document the distinctive features of these species. Key features and images of these species are made available for public access and use, encouraging community participation in biological studies and conservation efforts.

Implications for conservation and future research

These findings are important for conservation strategies because they provide information about the habitat preferences and geographic distribution of flower flies. Understanding where these species thrive can help design policies and measures to protect these important pollinators. The research team’s efforts have also laid the groundwork for future ecological and entomological studies in the region, potentially leading to further discoveries and enhanced environmental protection.

About the SERL

The Shapada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) was established on August 1, 2019 under the guidance of Dr. Vijay C, Principal Investigator, Department of Zoology, Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala, India. The main objective of the lab is to conduct research on the taxonomy of insects, their bio-ecology and diversity and to offer MSc dissertations, summer internships and PhD programs. The lab also conducts outreach activities through identification services, short training programmes, invited talk series, Memorial Day celebrations and various competitions such as quizzes and bioblitzes. Lesser-known groups of insects such as lone bees, cuckoo beetles, ant lions, grasshoppers, flower flies, robber flies, and so on are being doctored.

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