Platycheirus ambiguus
This record describes Platycheirus ambiguus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males have the front legs entirely unmodified except for a curled bristle behind the tip of the front femora. In females tergites 3 & 4 have complete silvery bands across the basal half. Strongly associated with Blackthorn. The larvae are aphidophagous on the foliage of Blackthorn and other Prunus species. https://www.flickr.com/photos/63075200@N07/albums/72157629625938258/ No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Strongly associated with Blackthorn. The larvae are aphidophagous on the foliage of Blackthorn and other Prunus species.
Seasonal Activity
Spring-summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Platycheirus ambiguus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Platycheirus ambiguus
What is Platycheirus ambiguus?
Platycheirus ambiguus is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Platycheirus ambiguus found?
Habitat: Strongly associated with Blackthorn. The larvae are aphidophagous on the foliage of Blackthorn and other Prunus species.
When is Platycheirus ambiguus active?
Platycheirus ambiguus: seasonal activity - Spring-summer..