Eupeodes luniger
This record describes Eupeodes luniger (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The species can be variable in terms of both size and colour with a wing length usually between 6.5 and 10 mm. It has broad yellow lunate markings on tergites 3 and 4 which don't reach the outer edge. Open habitats: patches of flowers in arable fields, meadows, road verges, hedgerows, gardens, etc. March to November with an increase in numbers during May, but with the main peak from July to September. This is a migrant species and can fly long distances. This species is common particularly in the southern half of Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open habitats: patches of flowers in arable fields, meadows, road verges, hedgerows, gardens, etc.
Seasonal Activity
March to November with an increase in numbers during May, but with the main peak from July to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This is a migrant species and can fly long distances.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is common particularly in the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eupeodes luniger. 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 luniger (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eupeodes luniger
What is Eupeodes luniger?
Eupeodes luniger is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Eupeodes luniger found?
Habitat: Open habitats: patches of flowers in arable fields, meadows, road verges, hedgerows, gardens, etc.
When is Eupeodes luniger active?
Eupeodes luniger: seasonal activity - March to November with an increase in numbers during May, but with the main peak from July to September..
What is the life cycle of a Eupeodes luniger?
This is a migrant species and can fly long distances.