Eupeodes bucculatus
This record describes Eupeodes bucculatus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This scarce species is very similar in appearance to other members of the Eupeodes genus, and we must thank Steve Falk who identified the insects in two Sapcote photographs as Eupeodes bucculatus . It is a species where expert confirmation of identification should always be sought. Found in woodland and on various flowers beside hedgerows. Records from Sheffield indicate that it has been reared from amongst aphids on Foxglove. Scarce with the few British records clustered around south-east England the Severn estuary and Sheffield areas. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in woodland and on various flowers beside hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
April to October peaking July/August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Records from Sheffield indicate that it has been reared from amongst aphids on Foxglove.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scarce with the few British records clustered around south-east England the Severn estuary and Sheffield areas.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eupeodes bucculatus. 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 Eupeodes bucculatus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eupeodes bucculatus
What is Eupeodes bucculatus?
Eupeodes bucculatus is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Eupeodes bucculatus found?
Habitat: Found in woodland and on various flowers beside hedgerows.
When is Eupeodes bucculatus active?
Eupeodes bucculatus: seasonal activity - April to October peaking July/August.
What is the life cycle of a Eupeodes bucculatus?
Records from Sheffield indicate that it has been reared from amongst aphids on Foxglove.