Parasyrphus punctulatus
This record describes Parasyrphus punctulatus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 8 mm, wing length 5.5 to 7.75 mm. This is a rather small hoverfly and is unusual amongst parasyrphus because the abdominal markings are spots rather than bars. Visits willows in spring and is often found in wooded areas including coniferous woodland. Most common in early spring, persisting through to the middle of summer. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Visits willows in spring and is often found in wooded areas including coniferous woodland.
Seasonal Activity
Most common in early spring, persisting through to the middle of summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Parasyrphus punctulatus. 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 Parasyrphus punctulatus (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parasyrphus punctulatus
What is Parasyrphus punctulatus?
Parasyrphus punctulatus is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Parasyrphus punctulatus?
6 to 8 mm, wing length 5.5 to 7.75 mm. This is a rather small hoverfly and is unusual amongst parasyrphus because the abdominal markings are spots rather than bars.
Where is Parasyrphus punctulatus found?
Habitat: Visits willows in spring and is often found in wooded areas including coniferous woodland.
When is Parasyrphus punctulatus active?
Parasyrphus punctulatus: seasonal activity - Most common in early spring, persisting through to the middle of summer..