Eristalis cryptarum
This record describes Eristalis cryptarum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Shiny black. Scutellum reddish-brown. Wings have dark, wide streak on outer (costal) edge to about mid-wing. 2nd abdominal segment with orange-brown triangular marks at side edges. Other segments have narrow white line on lower margin. Underside black. Types: Holotype as Eristalis compactus female by Walker, 1849. Type Locality: Ontario. In the British Museum of Natural History, London, England. Holotype as Eristalis cryptarum by Walker, 1851. Type Locality: Unknown. In the British Museum of Natural History, London, England. Holotype as Eristalis atriceps male by Loew, 1865. Type Locality: New Hampshire. In the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Bogs.
Seasonal Activity
Mid-May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Decaying organic matter; peat.
Life History
Larvae called rat-tailed maggots. Aquatic, prefers peat bogs.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eristalis cryptarum (Fabricius 1794)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eristalis cryptarum. 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 cryptarum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Eristalis cryptarum
What is Eristalis cryptarum?
Eristalis cryptarum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Eristalis cryptarum?
9 to 10 mm long.
How do you identify Eristalis cryptarum?
Shiny black. Scutellum reddish-brown. Wings have dark, wide streak on outer (costal) edge to about mid-wing. 2nd abdominal segment with orange-brown triangular marks at side edges. Other segments have narrow white line on lower margin. Underside black.
Where is Eristalis cryptarum found?
Habitat: Bogs.
What does Eristalis cryptarum eat?
The diet of the Eristalis cryptarum includes Decaying organic matter; peat..
When is Eristalis cryptarum active?
Eristalis cryptarum: seasonal activity - Mid-May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Eristalis cryptarum?
Larvae called rat-tailed maggots. Aquatic, prefers peat bogs.