Notes on the genus Melanostoma Schiner, 1860 (Diptera, Syrphidae) in the Malagasy Region, with descriptions of five new species.

The genus Melanostoma is represented in most biogeographical regions of the Old World with a preference for their tropical parts. A review of the species recorded so far from Madagascar and the adjoining islands is given. Five new species are described from Madagascar (M. incurvum, keiseri, ochraceum, perinetense sp. n.) and from the Comores (M. matilei sp. n.) and one synonymy is revalidated: M. gymnocera Bigot (1891) = M. annulipes Macquart (1842). An identification key to the taxa is proposed. A brief account of the 6 genitalia is included.