Bird Hover Fly
Eupeodes volucris
This record describes Eupeodes volucris (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Projecting cylindrical abdomen of male rather distinctive. E. volucris females have the Scaeva like markings on the abdomen, which are always separated, strongly curved and more white, while other Eupeodes species have them yellow. E. volucris has reddish legs.
Wikipedia reference for Eupeodes volucris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eupeodes_volucris.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA (AK-CA to ON-KS-TX & Mexico) (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov in OK ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eupeodes (Eupeodes) volucris Osten Sacken 1877
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eupeodes volucris. 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 Bird Hover Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , v belov , KenW
Frequently Asked Questions About Bird Hover Fly
What is Bird Hover Fly?
Bird Hover Fly (Eupeodes volucris) is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Bird Hover Fly?
6.3-9.8 mm
How do you identify Bird Hover Fly?
Projecting cylindrical abdomen of male rather distinctive. E. volucris females have the Scaeva like markings on the abdomen, which are always separated, strongly curved and more white, while other Eupeodes species have them yellow. E. volucris has reddish legs.
Where is Bird Hover Fly found?
Range: w. NA (AK-CA to ON-KS-TX & Mexico) (BG data)
When is Bird Hover Fly active?
Bird Hover Fly: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov in OK ( 3 ).