Further revision of material from the Merodon ruficornis group (Diptera: Syrphidae) revealed three new species, M. acutus Vujić et Radenković sp. nov. from Russia, M. fulvitarsis Vujić et Radenković sp. nov. from Iran, and M. trispinus Vujić et Radenković sp. nov. from Turkey. We provide an upgraded and illustrated identification key for the species of the group, as well as distribution maps for the new species. Moreover, we describe the female of M. portschinskyi Stackelberg, 1924. These new descriptions extend the range of the M. ruficornis group in almost all directions and bolster the very high level of endemism previously observed within this group. Of the 21 taxa (including the three new species described herein), 15 are narrow-range endemics.

Genetic monitoring, as one of the main aspects in long-term population monitoring, has a crucial role in establishing an effective management strategy and biological conservation of wildlife. Determination and monitoring of genetic variability as well as identification of management units, represents the best estimator of natural population potential for adaptation and survival. Here we present a comparative overview of data obtained through genetic monitoring of three wildlife species in Serbia - brown hares, wild boars and grey wolves. First determination of genetic variability in brown hares from Serbia recommended an optimal three-year monitoring period for this species and continual genetic monitoring has revealed maintenance of moderate genetic diversity over a twenty-year period. Furthermore, it is suggested that future genetic monitoring should encompass more informative molecular markers, such as those linked to adaptive traits. Microsatellite molecular markers have provided much of the required information about the wild boar population. The wild boar is one of the most important game species and is crucial to estimate adequate management measures in order to preserve genetic variability, but also, to prevent possible territorial expansion of the species. Panel of 18 microsatellite loci proved to be very informative when it comes to the grey wolf population. Serbian wolf population is relatively stable for now, but it is very important to maintain appropriate genetic monitoring to preserve this valuable reservoir of genetic variability. The results, obtained through genetic monitoring of these three species in Serbia, support integration of genetic information with other traditional methods for hunting management strategy in order to provide a long-term sustainability.

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Cheilosia urbana (the hawkweed Cheilosia; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 546.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.08 kilobases in length.

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