Published October 27, 2025
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A hoverfly survey in the inner alpine municipality of Bergün-Filisur (Switzerland) by means of variable route sampling (Diptera, Syrphidae)
Authors/Creators
- 1. Unaffiliated, Regensdorf, Switzerland
- 2. info fauna, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- 3. Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
- 4. Leibniz-Institut zur Analyse des Biodiversitätswandels, Bonn, Germany
Description
A field survey of hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) was conducted in the municipality of Bergün-Filisur, Canton of Graubünden, in the inner Swiss Alps during 2023 and 2024. This study aimed at: (i) recording a high species richness using a comparatively low sampling effort by experienced syrphidologists along haphazardly selected routes; and (ii) setting a baseline reference for long-term future surveyance. The repeatability of the survey method was tested by comparing the survey results of 2023 with 2024 using rarefaction analyses, and found to be adequate. A total of 173 hoverfly species were recorded in the Bergün sampling area in 2023 and 2024, which is, respectively, 84% and 51% of the known species richness of the municipality of Bergün-Filisur (206 species) and the Canton of Graubünden (341 species). We recorded 3 species new to the Canton of Graubünden (Platycheirus transfugus; Sphaerophoria estebani; Psilota exilistyla), and 14 species that are on the European Red List of Hoverflies, by being endangered (11 species) or vulnerable (3 species). We propose a practical framework for future hoverfly surveyance in Bergün-Filisur, central Alps. The annual survey effort is minimal and can be achieved within the 15–30 June timeframe, requiring either six days of sampling by a single surveyor or three days by two surveyors.
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