Systoechus laevifrons (Loew, 1855) new to Finland and the Western Palearctic region (Diptera, Bombyliidae)

Systoechus laevifrons (Loew, 1855) (Diptera, Bombyliidae) is recorded from Finland. Having previously been known only from Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East, the species is new to the Western Palearctic region. All verifiable previous records of Systoechus gradatus (Wiedemann in Meigen, 1820) from Finland proved to be misdentifications of Systoechus laevifrons. S. gradatus is here deleted from the national checklist of Finnish species. Systoechus laevifrons inherits the national red list status (CR) previously given to S. gradatus. Based on museum material, the historical range of Systoechus laevifrons in Finland covers most of the southern and middle parts of the country, but records are very sparse and scattered, with only five known localities. In the 21st century Systoechus laevifrons has only been found at two localities in Finland (Säkylä and Taipalsaari). Both are army artillery practice grounds on sandy soils. In 2021, at least twenty adults were seen nectaring primarily on Solidago virgaurea at the Säkylä site. In addition to the species record, we provide a partial DNA barcode analysis of the northern Holarctic Systoechus species as well as an updated key to the identification of the European species, and discuss the biology and distribution of Systoechus laevifrons.