Criorhina floccosa
This record describes Criorhina floccosa (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large Criorhina with a long orange pile on the thorax but a rather broad, flattened abdomen with only inconspicuous pilosity and a buff-dusted apex (especially obvious when viewed from behind). This species has tufts of pale hair at the sides of the abdomen, near the base. Old woods, and also hedges and parkland with old trees. The adults fly from April to August but are most often seen in May. Adults feed on the flowers of Hawthorn, Rowan, brambles and roses. The larvae develop within decaying wood in the cavities and roots of mature broadleaved trees. This is a widespread but localised species. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Old woods, and also hedges and parkland with old trees.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly from April to August but are most often seen in May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults feed on the flowers of Hawthorn, Rowan, brambles and roses. The larvae develop within decaying wood in the cavities and roots of mature broadleaved trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a widespread but localised species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Criorhina floccosa. 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 floccosa (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Criorhina floccosa
What is Criorhina floccosa?
Criorhina floccosa is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Criorhina floccosa found?
Habitat: Old woods, and also hedges and parkland with old trees.
When is Criorhina floccosa active?
Criorhina floccosa: seasonal activity - The adults fly from April to August but are most often seen in May..
What is the life cycle of a Criorhina floccosa?
Adults feed on the flowers of Hawthorn, Rowan, brambles and roses. The larvae develop within decaying wood in the cavities and roots of mature broadleaved trees.