Chrysotoxum cautum
This record describes Chrysotoxum cautum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing length 10 to 13mm. The abdominal pattern has very straight black bars which are interrupted well short of the edge. In both sexes the first antennal segment is shorter than the second and females have long dense hairs on the thoracic dorsum (as long as width of third antennal segment). Despite being a large and boldly coloured hoverfly, care is required to separate Chrysotoxum cautum from other similar species. Grassland in sunny areas, especially near to wood or scrub. April to September with a peak in late May and June. Widespread and fairly frequent in southern England and south Wales.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland in sunny areas, especially near to wood or scrub.
Seasonal Activity
April to September with a peak in late May and June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in southern England and south Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysotoxum cautum. 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 cautum (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysotoxum cautum
What is Chrysotoxum cautum?
Chrysotoxum cautum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chrysotoxum cautum?
10 to 13mm. The abdominal pattern has very straight black bars which are interrupted well short of the edge. In both sexes the first antennal segment is shorter than the second and females have long dense hairs on the thoracic dorsum (as long as width of third antennal segment).
Where is Chrysotoxum cautum found?
Habitat: Grassland in sunny areas, especially near to wood or scrub.
When is Chrysotoxum cautum active?
Chrysotoxum cautum: seasonal activity - April to September with a peak in late May and June..