Chrysotoxum bicinctum
This record describes Chrysotoxum bicinctum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a very distinctive species with its two yellow bands, the chocolate wing patches and the long, forward pointing antennae. It is found in grassy habitats, usually sheltered near to shrubs and trees. It flies from May to September but peaks from mid-June to mid-August. Much remains to be discovered about the biology of this group. Quite common in some parts of Britain, scarcer in others.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is found in grassy habitats, usually sheltered near to shrubs and trees.
Seasonal Activity
It flies from May to September but peaks from mid-June to mid-August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Much remains to be discovered about the biology of this group.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common in some parts of Britain, scarcer in others.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysotoxum bicinctum. 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 Chrysotoxum bicinctum (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysotoxum bicinctum
What is Chrysotoxum bicinctum?
Chrysotoxum bicinctum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chrysotoxum bicinctum found?
Habitat: It is found in grassy habitats, usually sheltered near to shrubs and trees.
When is Chrysotoxum bicinctum active?
Chrysotoxum bicinctum: seasonal activity - It flies from May to September but peaks from mid-June to mid-August..
What is the life cycle of a Chrysotoxum bicinctum?
Much remains to be discovered about the biology of this group.