Data on Scuttle Flies (Diptera: Phoridae) Based on Extensive Sampling Regions in Central and Eastern European Russia

Background: The Phoridae are one of the most poorly studied families of Diptera insects in Russia. They are small flies that play an important role in ecosystems. Methods: This dataset presents the results of a study on Phoridae conducted between 2019 and 2024 in European Russia. The overall study area covered 400,000 km2. Results: A total of 16,265 specimens were reliably identified, representing 272 species and 22 genera from 180 localities. Of these, 2673 specimens were females (16.4%), while the remaining 83.6% were males. Conclusions: The genus Megaselia Rondani accounted for 200 species (73.5%) and 12,120 specimens (74.5%). Ten species were particularly common: Megaselia pusilla, M. angusta agg., Triphleba opaca, Diplonevra funebris, M. brevicostalis, M. plurispinulosa, M. flavicans, M. lutea, M. minuta, and M. lactipennis. The highest number of localities was recorded for M. angusta agg. (37.2%), M. flavicans (27.8%), and M. brevicostalis (25.0%). In terms of collection methods, the majority of both specimens and species were captured using Malaise traps and pan traps. The highest species richness and specimen abundance were recorded in floodplain habitats, steppified areas, and meadows. In contrast, forested sites showed lower species diversity and abundance.