Eumerus strigatus
This record describes Eumerus strigatus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are other very similar species and detailed examination is needed. This species closely resembles the Lesser Bulb-fly Eumerus funeralis which is more strongly associated with gardens. Males can be separated by examining the underside of the hind femora, which are entirely hairy without the shiny zone free of hairs and small tubercle found in funeralis. Separating females is more difficult, though the frons of strigatus is more heavily dusted and the 3rd antennal segment tends to be rhomboid rather than rounded. The narrow whitish dust stripes at the front of the the thorax tend to be better developed in strigata. Eumerus sogdianus (added to the British list in 2013) is even more similar and males can be separated using the key in Speight, Hauser & Withers, 2013, Eumerus strigatus females cannot be separated from those of Eumerus sogdianus. Eumerus sogdianus and Eumerus funeralis. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eumerus strigatus. 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.