Cheilosia grossa
This record describes Cheilosia grossa (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A dark bodied hoverfly with red brown hairs. C. grossa is very similar to C. albipila but on close examination C. grossa will be found to have black antennae. Areas where thistles are common, damp meadows woodland rides etc. March to May – peaking late March and early April. Larvae develop inside the stems of thistles. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where thistles are common, damp meadows woodland rides etc.
Seasonal Activity
March to May – peaking late March and early April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae develop inside the stems of thistles.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cheilosia grossa. 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 grossa (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheilosia grossa
What is Cheilosia grossa?
Cheilosia grossa is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Cheilosia grossa found?
Habitat: Areas where thistles are common, damp meadows woodland rides etc.
When is Cheilosia grossa active?
Cheilosia grossa: seasonal activity - March to May – peaking late March and early April..
What is the life cycle of a Cheilosia grossa?
Larvae develop inside the stems of thistles.