Cheilosia (Taeniochilosia) nigripes

A recent study identified and characterized the hoverfly species Cheilosia (Taeniochilosia) nigripes within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley, Armenia. This species is distinguished by its shiny sterna II–IV, a trait unique among Taeniochilosia in the Caucasus, and exhibits morphological differences from European and Russian Far East specimens, including more extensive pruinosity and distinct pile characteristics. The research involved field collections across multiple provinces in Armenia and Georgia from 2018 to 2023, utilizing both direct sampling and Malaise traps. A total of 456 specimens were examined, contributing new data on the species' distribution and morphology. The study enhances understanding of hoverfly biodiversity in this culturally significant region.

Bot, S., Mengual, X., Meutter, F. V. de, & Skevington, J. H. (2025). Cheilosia (Taeniochilosia) nigripes. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17514946