Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus
Eristalinus aeneus
This record describes Eristalinus aeneus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Eyes with numerous small dark spots that tend to coalesce towards the top of eye the only representative of the subgen. Lathyrophthalmus Mik 1897 in our area ( 3 )
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, adventive (and widespread) in NA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults nectar on yellow composites, white Apiaceae, or Salix
Life History
In Europe, larvae often found associated with decaying seaweed
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eristalinus aeneus ( Scopoli 1763)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eristalinus aeneus. 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 Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hartmut Wisch , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus
What is Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus?
Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus (Eristalinus aeneus) is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus?
8-12 mm
How do you identify Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus?
Eyes with numerous small dark spots that tend to coalesce towards the top of eye
Where is Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus found?
Range: Native to Europe, adventive (and widespread) in NA
What does Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus eat?
The diet of the Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus includes Adults nectar on yellow composites, white Apiaceae, or Salix.
What is the life cycle of a Eristalinus (Lathyrophthalmus) aeneus?
In Europe, larvae often found associated with decaying seaweed