Eristalis nemorum
This record describes Eristalis nemorum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small drone-fly and quite similar to E. arbustorum (the dwarf drone-fly). The small but crisp dark patch on the front edge of the wings (called a stigma) helps to identify this species. It also has a clean and relatively thin black stripe down its face. It can be found in a wide range of open habitats such as meadows, gardens and wasteland. It can be seen from April to October, peaking in July and August. Larvae have been found in farmyard drains and other similarly enriched situations.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can be found in a wide range of open habitats such as meadows, gardens and wasteland.
Seasonal Activity
It can be seen from April to October, peaking in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae have been found in farmyard drains and other similarly enriched situations.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Frequent throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eristalis nemorum. 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 nemorum (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eristalis nemorum
What is Eristalis nemorum?
Eristalis nemorum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Eristalis nemorum found?
Habitat: It can be found in a wide range of open habitats such as meadows, gardens and wasteland.
When is Eristalis nemorum active?
Eristalis nemorum: seasonal activity - It can be seen from April to October, peaking in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Eristalis nemorum?
Larvae have been found in farmyard drains and other similarly enriched situations.