Epistrophe nitidicollis
This record describes Epistrophe nitidicollis (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species occurs in variety of habitats. Adults like the flowers of hawthorns, roses, brambles and umbellifers.
Geographic Range
across North America south to California and South Carolina
Seasonal Activity
Adults are most evident in late May and early June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on aphids from a variety of broadleaved trees and shrubs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread species, most frequent in the south of England.
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epistrophe nitidicollis (Meigen 1822)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Epistrophe nitidicollis. 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 Epistrophe nitidicollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kelsey J.R.P. Byers; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Epistrophe nitidicollis
How big is Epistrophe nitidicollis?
9.3-13 mm
Where is Epistrophe nitidicollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This species occurs in variety of habitats. Adults like the flowers of hawthorns, roses, brambles and umbellifers. |
| Range | across North America south to California and South Carolina |
When is Epistrophe nitidicollis active?
Epistrophe nitidicollis: seasonal activity - Adults are most evident in late May and early June..
What is the life cycle of a Epistrophe nitidicollis?
The larvae feed on aphids from a variety of broadleaved trees and shrubs.