Chrysotoxum festivum
This record describes Chrysotoxum festivum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very boldly marked, medium-sized hoverfly. It is always worth checking this species for the dark form of the much rarer C.elegans or the even rarer C. vernale. There is also a very rare species of southern heathland, C. vernale, which resembles a small C. festivum with the yellow bars of the tergites much straighter. Tall grassland and open scrub. Adults visit a variety of flowers, but especially umbellifers and thistles. The larvae are probably associated with ant-attended root aphids.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Tall grassland and open scrub. Adults visit a variety of flowers, but especially umbellifers and thistles.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to the end of August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are probably associated with ant-attended root aphids.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Frequent in in southern Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysotoxum festivum. 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 festivum (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysotoxum festivum
What is Chrysotoxum festivum?
Chrysotoxum festivum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chrysotoxum festivum found?
Habitat: Tall grassland and open scrub. Adults visit a variety of flowers, but especially umbellifers and thistles.
When is Chrysotoxum festivum active?
Chrysotoxum festivum: seasonal activity - Late May to the end of August..
What is the life cycle of a Chrysotoxum festivum?
The larvae are probably associated with ant-attended root aphids.