Cheilosia ranunculi
This record describes Cheilosia ranunculi (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A robust all black, shiny hoverfly and only separated from C. albitarsus recently. Males have yellow front tarsi. Females cannot be separated but males can distinguished by the shape of the apical segments of the front tarsi which in C. ranunculi taper towards the tarsal claws. Cheilosia albitarsus males have the apical segments of the front tarsi that are more square. Grassland, particularly feeding on buttercups. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland, particularly feeding on buttercups.
Seasonal Activity
April - July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on buttercups.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Probably common but under-recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cheilosia ranunculi. 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 ranunculi (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheilosia ranunculi
What is Cheilosia ranunculi?
Cheilosia ranunculi is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Cheilosia ranunculi found?
Habitat: Grassland, particularly feeding on buttercups.
When is Cheilosia ranunculi active?
Cheilosia ranunculi: seasonal activity - April - July.
What is the life cycle of a Cheilosia ranunculi?
The larvae feed on buttercups.