Brachyopa vernalis Van Steenis & Van Steenis, 2014

Brachyopa vernalis Van Steenis & Van Steenis, 2014: 13; ♂ holotype in NBC, 7 ♂♂ paratypes in NBC, PJSA, PMRL, PWSB, FSUNS, ZMUC, all types studied.

Figs 4D, 11D, 15D, 22

Distribution. Only known from three localities on Crete (Greece), based on material collected in 1997, 2008 (van Steenis & van Steenis 2014) and 2012, and hence a European endemic.

Biology. Found visiting flowers of Crataegus spp. and Prunus spp. in Mediterranean deciduous forests and in a forested part of a deep ravine.

This species was collected on the 28 th of March, the 8 th of April and the 8 th of May at an altitudinal range of 350–900 m a.s.l. (database).

Population fluctuations. Nothing can be concluded based on the data we have here, but as seen for some other Mediterranean species of Brachyopa, its larvae are most likely living in sap runs and as such, prone to show large population fluctuations.

Remarks. Crete has been visited by renowned dipteran collectors (Jan Lucas, Claus Claussen, etc.) in the past and only recently nine specimens of this species have been collected, indicating it should be classified as an extremely rare species. It has been recorded at three localities in Crete, all in forested habitats. Only one locality is within a protected area. As in many Mediterranean areas this habitat is under threat due to overgrazing and forest fires. This in combination with the restricted range of occurrence makes this species very vulnerable to extinction.

Red List. Not mentioned on any Red List but, due to its restricted distribution and the threats to its habitat, a candidate to be listed in one of the IUCN threat categories.