Hoverflies (Syrphidae: Diptera) in areas contaminated with heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Pb)

Abstract The aim of the research was to study diversity hoverflies (Syrphidae: Diptera) living in areas under influence heavy metal emissions (Cd, Zn and Pb). Although area Olkusz Ore-bearing Region (OOR), where partially conducted, belongs contaminated regions, a relatively high species richness Syrphids has been noted. During period, total 1,180 syrphids, belonging 165 were caught, which constitutes 39.76% all Polish Syrphidae fauna. These represented trophic groups with dominance zoophagous (48.48%); however, most numerous (quantitatively abundant) saprophagous. Among collected common species, such as: E. arbustorum (LINNAEUS, 1758), tenax Episyrphus balteatus (DE GEER, 1776) S. pipiens as well rare Callicera aenea (FABRICIUS, 1777) (NT), Chalcosyrphus piger 1794) (DD), Epistrophe ochrostoma (ZETTERSTEDT, 1849) (VU), Orthonevra geniculata (MEIGEN, 1830) Rhingia rostrata 1758) Sphegina sibirica STACKELBERG, 1953 (LC) Spilomyia diophthalma Eleven have included Red List Endangered Species. Melangyna ericarum (COLLIN, 1946) is recorded new one among Numerous observations did not indicate that covered by characterised significantly lower compared other sites. In fact, samples taken usually biodiversity. obtained results may suggest anthropogenic activities, including those leading environmental pollution metals strong transformation natural habitats, do completely destroy biodiversity, some cases leave space for nature create habitats even organisms can develop.