Determination of the Biodiversity and Fauna of Hoverflies (Dip: Syrphidae) in Damghan (Semnan province) - Introducing 23 New Records from Semnan Province

Hoverflies (Dip: Syrphidae) are one of the most important natural enemies of aphids. Their larvae are predators of aphids and play an important role in ensuring biological balance. In order to identify hoverfly fauna, some specimens of adults were collected during 2005 and 2006 using a sweeping net in Damghan in the center of Semnan Province. The data were analyzed using the Margalov (Dmg) and Shanon-Winer (H¢) indices. The maximum diversity and abundance of species in Damghan was recorded in fourth week of Khordad month (mid-June) (Dmg= 28.861, H¢=0.933). The results showed that 23 species belonging to 14 genera were identified and that all of them are recorded for the first time from Semnan Province.