Chalcosyrphus piger
This record describes Chalcosyrphus piger (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Medium-sized; metafemora enlarged. Dark thorax, wings. Abdomen bright red. Tarsi usually (or always?) dark. Note short appressed (not erect) hairs on thorax . This, and related members of the genus with a similar pattern are likely mimics of wasps, specifically Astata , a spider wasp :
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Tends to move toward hilltops and other open, high areas for mating
Geographic Range
holarctic, incl. most of NA (QC-BC to FL-CA-Mexico) ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov in e.NC ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chalcosyrphus piger ( Fabricius 1794)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chalcosyrphus piger. 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 piger (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chalcosyrphus piger
What is Chalcosyrphus piger?
Chalcosyrphus piger is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chalcosyrphus piger?
9-13 mm
How do you identify Chalcosyrphus piger?
Medium-sized; metafemora enlarged. Dark thorax, wings. Abdomen bright red. Tarsi usually (or always?) dark. Note short appressed (not erect) hairs on thorax . This, and related members of the genus with a similar pattern are likely mimics of wasps, specifically Astata , a spider wasp :
Where is Chalcosyrphus piger found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Tends to move toward hilltops and other open, high areas for mating |
| Range | holarctic, incl. most of NA (QC-BC to FL-CA-Mexico) ( 3 ) |
When is Chalcosyrphus piger active?
Chalcosyrphus piger: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov in e.NC ( 4 ).