Integrative taxonomy

Assessment of the overall diversity of insect species is a particular scientific challenge, taking into account the importance of these species in ecosystems functioning. Hoverflies, which represent an exceptionally important component of each ecosystem, are an almost inexhaustible source of diversity. Our integrative taxonomic research, which combines knowledge on morphology, genetics, geometric morphometry, distribution and ecology of populations and species, has led to the elucidation of hidden diversity in this group of dipterans. Thanks to the combined activities of BioSense’s experts and collaborators from other domestic and foreign institutions, more than 30 species new to science worldwide have been described during the last couple of years.