Gilgit-Baltistan boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, yet its hover fly species
inventory remains relatively understudied. This study expands our understanding by
documenting 21 hover fly species, including three new records for the region. Notably,
three genera: Betasyrphus Matsumura, 1917, Eupeodes Osten Sacken, 1877, and Helophilus
Meigen, 1822, are reported for the first time from Gilgit-Baltistan. Of particular
significance is the discovery of Helophilus pendulus (Linnaeus, 1758), marking a novel
addition to the hover fly fauna of Pakistan. This research contributes an updated
checklist of hover fly species for Gilgit-Baltistan, and information on synonyms,
diagnosis, flight periods, host plants, distribution maps, adult habitus and male
genitalia of Helophilus pendulus is provided.
