Chalcosyrphus nemorum
This record describes Chalcosyrphus nemorum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
moist forest & wetland, often associated with alder and willow. Adults on foliage overhanging water, trunks of fallen trees beside water, and at water edge
Geographic Range
holarctic
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are under water of waterlogged deciduous trees/stumps
Life History
Larvae overwinter and have ~10 days pupal stage in the spring
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chalcosyrphus nemorum (Fabricius 1805)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chalcosyrphus nemorum. 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 nemorum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Hartmut Wisch , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Chalcosyrphus nemorum
Where is Chalcosyrphus nemorum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | moist forest & wetland, often associated with alder and willow. Adults on foliage overhanging water, trunks of fallen trees beside water, and at water edge |
| Range | holarctic |
What does Chalcosyrphus nemorum eat?
The diet of the Chalcosyrphus nemorum includes Larvae are under water of waterlogged deciduous trees/stumps.
What is the life cycle of a Chalcosyrphus nemorum?
Larvae overwinter and have ~10 days pupal stage in the spring