Deadhead Hover Fly
Myathropa florea
This record describes Myathropa florea (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Myathropa florea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myathropa_florea.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas and favouring large umbel flowers and often seen at Ivy flowers in late summer.
Seasonal Activity
May to October peaking July/August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae occur in rot holes or cavities of decaying leaves amongst roots at the base of trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and often common throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Myathropa florea. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Deadhead Hover Fly (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Deadhead Hover Fly
How big is Deadhead Hover Fly?
10mm to 14mm (0.39" to 0.55")
Where is Deadhead Hover Fly found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas and favouring large umbel flowers and often seen at Ivy flowers in late summer.
When is Deadhead Hover Fly active?
Deadhead Hover Fly: seasonal activity - May to October peaking July/August..
What is the life cycle of a Deadhead Hover Fly?
Larvae occur in rot holes or cavities of decaying leaves amongst roots at the base of trees.