Narcissus Bulb Fly
Merodon equestris
This record describes Merodon equestris (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color variable • sock-like vein pattern locally important pest of daffodils ; accidentally introduced in the US, probably with bulbs
Identification notes
Color variable • sock-like vein pattern
Wikipedia reference for Merodon equestris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merodon_equestris.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, adventive and now widespread in NA wherever daffodils ( Narcissus spp.) are grown, Japan, and Australasia
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae live in and feed on bulbs
Life History
overwinters as large maggot
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Merodon equestris (Fabricius 1794)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Merodon equestris. 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 Narcissus Bulb Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Narcissus Bulb Fly
What is Narcissus Bulb Fly?
Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris) is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Narcissus Bulb Fly?
12‒14 mm
How do you identify Narcissus Bulb Fly?
Color variable • sock-like vein pattern
Where is Narcissus Bulb Fly found?
Range: native to Europe, adventive and now widespread in NA wherever daffodils ( Narcissus spp.) are grown, Japan, and Australasia
What does Narcissus Bulb Fly eat?
The diet of the Narcissus Bulb Fly includes Larvae live in and feed on bulbs.
What is the life cycle of a Narcissus Bulb Fly?
overwinters as large maggot