Integrative taxonomy

Estimating the total diversity of insect species remains a significant scientific challenge, given their crucial role in ecosystem functioning. Due to high morphological variability, sexual dimorphism, differences among developmental stages, and the presence of cryptic species, classical taxonomic approaches do not provide a complete picture of diversity. To overcome the limitations of traditional taxonomy and resolve uncertainties in defining species boundaries, our research integrates knowledge from morphology, genetics, geometric morphometrics, distribution, and the ecology of insect populations and species. Thanks to the joint efforts of BioSense experts and collaborators from other institutions in the country and abroad, several dozen hoverfly species new to science have been described in various regions around the world in just the past few years.