The genus Claraeola Aczél is recorded from Iran for the first time. Two new species, Claraeola parnianae Motamedinia & Kehlmaier sp. nov. and Claraeola khorshidae Motamedinia & Kehlmaier sp. nov., are described and illustrated. An updated identification key to the Western Palaearctic species of the genus Claraeola is provided. Both species were characterized morphologically and by DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene.
Keywords: Diptera, big-headed flies, Middle East, DNA barcoding, identification key.