Taxonomic study of Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer, 1776), insect pollinator of medicinal plants, from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Episyrphus balteatus is a significant pollinator of various medicinal plants in the herbal garden in Jogindernagar, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India. The specimens were examined for their wing venation and genital morphology to aid in species identification and differentiation. Wing venation was analysed using the Comstock and Needham scheme, while genitalia were dissected and studied using imaging software. The results provide detailed descriptions of the diagnostic features, forewing venation, and male and female genitalia of E. balteatus. The findings align with previous studies that highlight the importance of genital structures and wing morphology in distinguishing sympatric species and evaluating inter- and intra-specific differences.