Chalcosyrphus eunotus
This record describes Chalcosyrphus eunotus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized, brownish hoverfly superficially resembling Brachypalpus laphriformis , but the thorax is dull with faint stripes and the abdomen is broader with pairs of narrowly separated squarish grey patches on tergite 2 (male) and tergites 2 and 3 (female). It is much larger than C. nemorum and with much hairier legs, but the two species often occur together, so care is necessary. Good quality images are required showing the identifying features. It may not be possible to confirm some records without suitable images. Adults can be observed resting on fallen timber at the edge of streams, on log jams, or sunbathing on nearby foliage. Males are territorial and will attack passing insects. Adults rarely visit flowers. Adults fly from April to July but seem to peak in late April and early May. The larvae develop in partially submerged fallen logs and branches in streams, especially where log jams have formed. This is nearly always in wooded streams with dappled sunlight and lush streamside vegetation (e.g. Stinging Nettle or Butterbur beds). Chalcosyrphus eunotus is scarce but possibly under-recorded with records confined to southern Britain especially the West Midlands and Welsh Marches. Graded Nationally Scarce by Ball & Morris (2014, JNCC Species Status No. 9). No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults can be observed resting on fallen timber at the edge of streams, on log jams, or sunbathing on nearby foliage. Males are territorial and will attack passing insects. Adults rarely visit flowers.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly from April to July but seem to peak in late April and early May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in partially submerged fallen logs and branches in streams, especially where log jams have formed. This is nearly always in wooded streams with dappled sunlight and lush streamside vegetation (e.g. Stinging Nettle or Butterbur beds).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Chalcosyrphus eunotus
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chalcosyrphus eunotus. 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 Chalcosyrphus eunotus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chalcosyrphus eunotus
What is Chalcosyrphus eunotus?
Chalcosyrphus eunotus is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chalcosyrphus eunotus found?
Habitat: Adults can be observed resting on fallen timber at the edge of streams, on log jams, or sunbathing on nearby foliage. Males are territorial and will attack passing insects. Adults rarely visit flowers.
When is Chalcosyrphus eunotus active?
Chalcosyrphus eunotus: seasonal activity - Adults fly from April to July but seem to peak in late April and early May..
What is the life cycle of a Chalcosyrphus eunotus?
The larvae develop in partially submerged fallen logs and branches in streams, especially where log jams have formed. This is nearly always in wooded streams with dappled sunlight and lush streamside vegetation (e.g. Stinging Nettle or Butterbur beds).