Platycheirus tarsalis
This record describes Platycheirus tarsalis (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Platycheirus tarsalis is one of a pair of yellow-spotted Platycheirus species with a strongly protruding mouth and the front legs of the male with only tarsal segments 1 and 2 enlarged and the fore tibiae unmodified. Compared with Platycheirus manicatus, the thorax is much shinier, the abdominal spots are paler (creamy-white) and the spots on tergite 2 are well separated from the hind margin of the segment. Females are more likely to be confused with Platycheirus peltatus but have the femora more extensively dark and the abdominal spots are squarer. Platycheirus manicatus and Platycheirus peltatus (similar to some females). Good photographs required showing abdominal markings and ideally the front legs in males. Usually found in and around woodland in late spring and early summer. It is especially attracted by cruciferous flowers such as Honesty, Garlic-mustard and Cuckoo-flower but wil also visit Blebell, Greater Stitchwort and Germander Speedwell. The larvae are presumed to be aphidophagous, but little seems to be known of their precise requirements. This is a widespread and locally common species in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in and around woodland in late spring and early summer. It is especially attracted by cruciferous flowers such as Honesty, Garlic-mustard and Cuckoo-flower but wil also visit Blebell, Greater Stitchwort and Germander Speedwell.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and early summer
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are presumed to be aphidophagous, but little seems to be known of their precise requirements.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a widespread and locally common species in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Platycheirus tarsalis. 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 Platycheirus tarsalis (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Platycheirus tarsalis
What is Platycheirus tarsalis?
Platycheirus tarsalis is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Platycheirus tarsalis found?
Habitat: Usually found in and around woodland in late spring and early summer. It is especially attracted by cruciferous flowers such as Honesty, Garlic-mustard and Cuckoo-flower but wil also visit Blebell, Greater Stitchwort and Germander Speedwell.
When is Platycheirus tarsalis active?
Platycheirus tarsalis: seasonal activity - Late spring and early summer.
What is the life cycle of a Platycheirus tarsalis?
The larvae are presumed to be aphidophagous, but little seems to be known of their precise requirements.