Criorhina berberina
This record describes Criorhina berberina (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Two very different colour forms exist - the 'type' form with a white tail and broad yellow collar (a superb mimic of the Tree Bumblebee, Bombus hypnorum) and the all-buff form 'oxycanthae' (a mimic of carder bumblebees like B. pascuorum). The latter is very similar to another hoverfly, the late-flying Arctophila superbiens but lacks the distinct wing clouds of that species. Found in ancient woodland and other places with old trees. Adults fly from April to September but are most often seen in May and June visiting the flowers of Hawthorn, Bramble and Hogweed. Females are often seen flying slowly around stumps and the bases of old trees in shaded locations. The larvae develop in wet decaying tree roots and old rotten stumps, typically of broadleaved species. A widespread but localised species with most records coming from the southern half of Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in ancient woodland and other places with old trees.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly from April to September but are most often seen in May and June visiting the flowers of Hawthorn, Bramble and Hogweed. Females are often seen flying slowly around stumps and the bases of old trees in shaded locations.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in wet decaying tree roots and old rotten stumps, typically of broadleaved species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread but localised species with most records coming from the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Criorhina berberina. 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 Criorhina berberina (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Criorhina berberina
What is Criorhina berberina?
Criorhina berberina is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Criorhina berberina found?
Habitat: Found in ancient woodland and other places with old trees.
When is Criorhina berberina active?
Criorhina berberina: seasonal activity - Adults fly from April to September but are most often seen in May and June visiting the flowers of Hawthorn, Bramble and Hogweed. Females are often seen flying slowly around stumps and the bases of old trees in shaded locations..
What is the life cycle of a Criorhina berberina?
The larvae develop in wet decaying tree roots and old rotten stumps, typically of broadleaved species.