A taxonomic revision of the Hilara maura-group (Diptera: Empididae) in Europe

Abstract. The European species of the Hilara maura-group are revised. Three species are described as new to science, namely, H.nitidorella sp.n., H.discalis sp.n. (both temperate Central and Western Europe) and H.mauroides sp.n. (Caucasus, male only). A further five species, H.hybrida Collin, H.femorella Zetterstedt, H.sulcitarsis Strobl, H.tyrolensis Strobl and H.bartaki Straka are redescribed, and H.eumera Loew, 1873 becomes a new synonym of H.nitidula Zetterstedt, 1838. Seven lectotypes are designated. All IS European species are keyed, the main differential characters are illustrated, and additional data on biology and distribution are given. The Hilara maura-group is recognized as a monophyletic group within the genus, characterized by a set of apomorphous characters, and the hypothetical phylogenetic relationships of the species, classified into four natural complexes, are demonstrated.