Neoascia meticulosa
This record describes Neoascia meticulosa (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small hoverfly with wing length 4 to 5.5 mm. The marginal cross-veins are not darkened and the hind femora are narrowly yellow at the apex. The front tibia are mostly yellow, the front and mid femora half yellow, and the hind tibia only narrowly ringed. The third antennal segment is elongate. Lush marshes and around water-bodies with plants such as sweet grass and bulrush where the larvae develop. Local but widespread. Becoming sparser in northern England and Wales.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lush marshes and around water-bodies with plants such as sweet grass and bulrush where the larvae develop.
Seasonal Activity
April to October, peaking May-June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local but widespread. Becoming sparser in northern England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neoascia meticulosa. 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 Neoascia meticulosa (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Neoascia meticulosa
What is Neoascia meticulosa?
Neoascia meticulosa is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Neoascia meticulosa?
4 to 5.5 mm. The marginal cross-veins are not darkened and the hind femora are narrowly yellow at the apex. The front tibia are mostly yellow, the front and mid femora half yellow, and the hind tibia only narrowly ringed. The third antennal segment is elongate.
Where is Neoascia meticulosa found?
Habitat: Lush marshes and around water-bodies with plants such as sweet grass and bulrush where the larvae develop.
When is Neoascia meticulosa active?
Neoascia meticulosa: seasonal activity - April to October, peaking May-June..