Cheilosia caerulescens
This record describes Cheilosia caerulescens (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
It is a bare-eyed, bluish-grey Cheilosia with pale knees and distinct smudges over the two cross veins of the wings. The lower face is rather strongly protruding, the third antennal segment is brownish-red and the antennal pits are fused. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Associated with houseleeks and likely to occur in gardens where the larval foodplant is present. The larvae mine the leaves of houseleeks (non-native garden plants) and it is presumed that the fly was introduced accidentally with imported plants. A recent British colonist that was first recorded in 2006 from Surrey and currently spreading across southern England to Derbyshire by 2018 and VC55 in 2019.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with houseleeks and likely to occur in gardens where the larval foodplant is present.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring to early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae mine the leaves of houseleeks (non-native garden plants) and it is presumed that the fly was introduced accidentally with imported plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A recent British colonist that was first recorded in 2006 from Surrey and currently spreading across southern England to Derbyshire by 2018 and VC55 in 2019.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cheilosia caerulescens. 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 Cheilosia caerulescens (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheilosia caerulescens
What is Cheilosia caerulescens?
Cheilosia caerulescens is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Cheilosia caerulescens found?
Habitat: Associated with houseleeks and likely to occur in gardens where the larval foodplant is present.
When is Cheilosia caerulescens active?
Cheilosia caerulescens: seasonal activity - Late spring to early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Cheilosia caerulescens?
The larvae mine the leaves of houseleeks (non-native garden plants) and it is presumed that the fly was introduced accidentally with imported plants.