Assessing hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) assemblages in the Cerrado biome: insights from different vegetation types, climate variables, and collection techniques

Abstract Syrphidae (Diptera) are ecologically important insects that contribute to pollination, biological control, and decomposition. However, in the Neotropical region, they remain one of the least studied Dipteran families due to a lack of specialists and high behavioral and taxonomic diversity. This study assessed the composition of adult syrphids in a protected area of the Brazilian Cerrado over a two-year period and evaluated the influence of climatic variables on their abundance, richness, and community structure. Sampling was carried out from October 2018 to August 2020 using passive (Malaise traps) and active (entomological nets) methods in two vegetation types: Cerrado sensu stricto and gallery forest. A total of 442 individuals representing 66 Syrphidae species were recorded. The genus Toxomerus Macquart, 1855 was the most abundant, with Toxomerus lacrymosus (Bigot, 1884) and Toxomerus laenas (Walker, 1852) as dominant species. Abundance was significantly higher in the Cerrado sensu stricto , whereas species richness did not differ significantly between vegetation types or in response to climatic variables, despite marked differences in species abundance and diversity. Temperature had a negative effect on both abundance and species composition. Despite differences in sampling effort, each method captured a distinct subset of the community, demonstrating their complementarity. These findings suggest that high temperatures may constrain hoverfly activity or survival and that differences between vegetation types play a key role in shaping community diversity. Therefore, the conservation of both open and forested habitats is crucial for maintaining Syrphidae diversity and the ecological services they support.