Hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of Wrangel Island (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia)

Wrangel Island harbors a surprisingly rich hoverfly (Diptera, Syrphidae) fauna of 16 species, with nine recorded for the first time on the island and one, Platycheirus pullatus, new to the Palearctic region. The study, based on specimens collected from 1972 to 2019 using various methods, reveals that the island's hoverfly community is dominated by Arctic species, with a third consisting of widespread tundra inhabitants. Notably, the central, warmer part of the island—an enclave of typical tundra subzone—hosts the highest diversity (12 species), including four newly documented in the 21st century during a period of climate warming. While most species are rare (singletons), Parasyrphus groenlandicus is common, with others like P. tarsatus, Eupeodes curtus, and Platycheirus aeratus showing localized abundance. This fauna, shaped by Pleistocene history, exceeds expectations for Arctic islands, suggesting Wrangel Island's unique ecological significance.

Barkalov, A. V., & Khruleva, O. A. (2021). Hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of Wrangel Island (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia). Nature Conservation Research, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.24189/ncr.2021.013