Flower Fly -Syrphus ribesii
Syrphus ribesii
This record describes Syrphus ribesii (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.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in gardens, hedgerows, waste ground and many other habitats.
Seasonal Activity
It can be found from March to November with peaks in late May/early June and again in July to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Males often create a 'hum' by vibrating their wings when resting and this sound is often a familiar background noise in woodland during the summer. It is multiple brooded.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very common throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Syrphus ribesii. 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 Flower Fly -Syrphus ribesii (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Fly -Syrphus ribesii
How big is Flower Fly -Syrphus ribesii?
8mm to 13mm (0.31" to 0.51")
Where is Flower Fly -Syrphus ribesii found?
Habitat: Found in gardens, hedgerows, waste ground and many other habitats.
When is Flower Fly -Syrphus ribesii active?
Flower Fly -Syrphus ribesii: seasonal activity - It can be found from March to November with peaks in late May/early June and again in July to September..
What is the life cycle of a Flower Fly -Syrphus ribesii?
Males often create a 'hum' by vibrating their wings when resting and this sound is often a familiar background noise in woodland during the summer. It is multiple brooded.