Cheilosia pagana
This record describes Cheilosia pagana (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of the smallest Cheilosia . The female has an exceptionally large, orange coloured, third antennal segment. The males often have strong reflective grey triangles on the sides of the abdomen. They have bare arista and the female has an entirely black scutellum. Varied habitats both woodland and open often on early flowering plants such as Blackthorn, and on umbellifers. March to October peaking May/June and August. Larvae have been found in the roots of Cow Parsley but may also use other umbellifers. This is a common species throughout Britain though less so in the north.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Varied habitats both woodland and open often on early flowering plants such as Blackthorn, and on umbellifers.
Seasonal Activity
March to October peaking May/June and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae have been found in the roots of Cow Parsley but may also use other umbellifers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a common species throughout Britain though less so in the north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cheilosia pagana. 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 pagana (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheilosia pagana
What is Cheilosia pagana?
Cheilosia pagana is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Cheilosia pagana found?
Habitat: Varied habitats both woodland and open often on early flowering plants such as Blackthorn, and on umbellifers.
When is Cheilosia pagana active?
Cheilosia pagana: seasonal activity - March to October peaking May/June and August..
What is the life cycle of a Cheilosia pagana?
Larvae have been found in the roots of Cow Parsley but may also use other umbellifers.