Eristalis anthophorina
This record describes Eristalis anthophorina (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Muddy pools; heath and moorlands
Geographic Range
Palaearctic (holarctic or introduced?)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on submerged plant litter. Adults feed on flowers.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eristalis anthophorina (Fallén 1817)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eristalis anthophorina. 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 Eristalis anthophorina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eristalis anthophorina
How big is Eristalis anthophorina?
11-12 mm
Where is Eristalis anthophorina found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Muddy pools; heath and moorlands |
| Range | Palaearctic (holarctic or introduced?) |
What does Eristalis anthophorina eat?
The diet of the Eristalis anthophorina includes Larvae feed on submerged plant litter. Adults feed on flowers..