Leucozona lucorum
This record describes Leucozona lucorum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A striking hoverfly with a white band across the upper abdomen and black wing patches that align with the black abdominal band. In the male, the white band on tergite 2 can often be darker. Both sexes have an obvious yellow-orange scutellum that immediately distinguishes this species from Volucella pellucens , the only other similar hoverfly. Lush herbaceous vegetation in damp woodland and well wooded areas. May to August peaking in May and June. It is seen mainly in the spring as it suns on vegetation. Rare fresh specimens in August indicate a partial second brood.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lush herbaceous vegetation in damp woodland and well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
May to August peaking in May and June. It is seen mainly in the spring as it suns on vegetation.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Rare fresh specimens in August indicate a partial second brood.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common hoverfly throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leucozona lucorum. 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 Leucozona lucorum (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Leucozona lucorum
What is Leucozona lucorum?
Leucozona lucorum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Leucozona lucorum found?
Habitat: Lush herbaceous vegetation in damp woodland and well wooded areas.
When is Leucozona lucorum active?
Leucozona lucorum: seasonal activity - May to August peaking in May and June. It is seen mainly in the spring as it suns on vegetation..
What is the life cycle of a Leucozona lucorum?
Rare fresh specimens in August indicate a partial second brood.