Eristalinus sepulchralis
This record describes Eristalinus sepulchralis (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The abdomen is shiny black or bronze at the sides and it usually has pale thoracic stripes. Usually seen around ponds and in marshes where there is a large amount of decaying vegetation, or where cattle trampling and dung has resulted in enrichment. April to October but especially from June to August. The larvae are known to occur in decaying vegetation in ponds and in wet manure. Widespread in much of southern England at least and fairly common in suitable areas.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually seen around ponds and in marshes where there is a large amount of decaying vegetation, or where cattle trampling and dung has resulted in enrichment.
Seasonal Activity
April to October but especially from June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are known to occur in decaying vegetation in ponds and in wet manure.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in much of southern England at least and fairly common in suitable areas.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eristalinus sepulchralis. 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 sepulchralis (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eristalinus sepulchralis
What is Eristalinus sepulchralis?
Eristalinus sepulchralis is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Eristalinus sepulchralis found?
Habitat: Usually seen around ponds and in marshes where there is a large amount of decaying vegetation, or where cattle trampling and dung has resulted in enrichment.
When is Eristalinus sepulchralis active?
Eristalinus sepulchralis: seasonal activity - April to October but especially from June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Eristalinus sepulchralis?
The larvae are known to occur in decaying vegetation in ponds and in wet manure.