Chrysogaster cemiteriorum
This record describes Chrysogaster cemiteriorum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The upper abdomen is black with a paler greyish band beneath on the flank. It is broad bodied and this can help distinguish it from some similar species. Lush meadows and fens, usually near to scrub or wood margins. May to September, peaking in July and August. It has a fondness for umbellifer flowers. Widely distributed in England and Wales, though less common in the south east of England, it is also found in southern Scotland.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lush meadows and fens, usually near to scrub or wood margins.
Seasonal Activity
May to September, peaking in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It has a fondness for umbellifer flowers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed in England and Wales, though less common in the south east of England, it is also found in southern Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysogaster cemiteriorum. 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 Chrysogaster cemiteriorum (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysogaster cemiteriorum
What is Chrysogaster cemiteriorum?
Chrysogaster cemiteriorum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chrysogaster cemiteriorum found?
Habitat: Lush meadows and fens, usually near to scrub or wood margins.
When is Chrysogaster cemiteriorum active?
Chrysogaster cemiteriorum: seasonal activity - May to September, peaking in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Chrysogaster cemiteriorum?
It has a fondness for umbellifer flowers.