Non‐crop habitats and cover crops as potential ecological corridors and stepping stones for autumnal migrating hoverflies

Hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) migration has received growing scientific attention, especially concerning its ecological and economic significance, as well as the extent of the migration. However, basic information on their migratory routes and essential stopover sites for energy replenishment remain scarce. Here, we present a new observation of hoverfly autumnal migration through Central Europe on the edge of Prague City (Czech Republic), revealing a new migrating and stopover event. Additionally, we support our findings with season‐long monitoring of the same site and compare the results with the only known hoverfly migratory site in the Czech Republic, Červenohorské sedlo. Migration occurred within a highly agricultural landscape, with various mitigation measures such as wildflower strips and cover crops. This possibly facilitated hoverfly migration by providing resting points, shelters and limited nectar and pollen resources. We discuss our findings within the broader context of western insect flyways, proposing that Prague‐Vinoř may represent a potential stopover site. We also discuss the potential for improving mitigation measures in late autumn, enhancing their ability to support migrating hoverfly populations.