Eupeodes latifasciatus
This record describes Eupeodes latifasciatus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A fairly small hoverfly with a wing length of 6.5 to 8.5 mm. The marks on tergites 3 and 4 are usually fused into bands in this species. There is some variation, and males differ from females. The yellow marks on tergites 3 and 4 often fail to reach the lateral margins in males, and in the females this yellow band is often pinched at the lateral margin, so that only about a quarter of it remains yellow. Open habitats, and with a preference for damp meadows and lush vegetation, but can be found in gardens. Fairly widespread in Britain, but more frequent in the south. It is scarce in some years but quite common in others.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open habitats, and with a preference for damp meadows and lush vegetation, but can be found in gardens.
Seasonal Activity
March to October peaking in August
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly widespread in Britain, but more frequent in the south. It is scarce in some years but quite common in others.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eupeodes latifasciatus. 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 latifasciatus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eupeodes latifasciatus
What is Eupeodes latifasciatus?
Eupeodes latifasciatus is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Eupeodes latifasciatus?
of 6.5 to 8.5 mm. The marks on tergites 3 and 4 are usually fused into bands in this species. There is some variation, and males differ from females. The yellow marks on tergites 3 and 4 often fail to reach the lateral margins in males, and in the females this yellow band is often pinched at the lateral margin, so that only about a quarter of it remains yellow.
Where is Eupeodes latifasciatus found?
Habitat: Open habitats, and with a preference for damp meadows and lush vegetation, but can be found in gardens.
When is Eupeodes latifasciatus active?
Eupeodes latifasciatus: seasonal activity - March to October peaking in August.