Flower Fly -Syrphus torvus
Syrphus torvus
This record describes Syrphus torvus (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
March to November - It is often the earliest
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Syrphus torvus. 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 torvus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Fly -Syrphus torvus
How big is Flower Fly -Syrphus torvus?
7mm to 15mm (0.27" to 0.59")
Where is Flower Fly -Syrphus torvus found?
Habitat: Found in gardens, hedgerows, waste ground and many other habitats.
When is Flower Fly -Syrphus torvus active?
Flower Fly -Syrphus torvus: seasonal activity - March to November - It is often the earliest.