Pocota personata
This record describes Pocota personata (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Arguably the finest bumblebee mimic in the European hoverfly fauna. Its small head size in relation to its body, and the strikingly lemon bands make it readily identifiable. Pocota is associated with very old trees in woodland and semi-natural parkland, perhaps especially Beech, but also recorded around old Sycamore and Ash. Adults also like Hawthorn blossom and males are occasionally seen hovering in a very laboured manner. April to June with a peak in late May and early June. The larvae develop in rot holes and other tree cavities filled with water or wet detritus often at some height, and females are most often seen investigating these (looking like white-tailed bumblebees entering an aerial nest). Scarce but widespread in England - careful searching of veteran tree sites in May is revealing it is not quite as rare as previously thought.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Pocota is associated with very old trees in woodland and semi-natural parkland, perhaps especially Beech, but also recorded around old Sycamore and Ash. Adults also like Hawthorn blossom and males are occasionally seen hovering in a very laboured manner.
Seasonal Activity
April to June with a peak in late May and early June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in rot holes and other tree cavities filled with water or wet detritus often at some height, and females are most often seen investigating these (looking like white-tailed bumblebees entering an aerial nest).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scarce but widespread in England - careful searching of veteran tree sites in May is revealing it is not quite as rare as previously thought.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pocota personata. 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 Pocota personata (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pocota personata
What is Pocota personata?
Pocota personata is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Pocota personata?
in relation to its body, and the strikingly lemon bands make it readily identifiable.
Where is Pocota personata found?
Habitat: Pocota is associated with very old trees in woodland and semi-natural parkland, perhaps especially Beech, but also recorded around old Sycamore and Ash. Adults also like Hawthorn blossom and males are occasionally seen hovering in a very laboured manner.
When is Pocota personata active?
Pocota personata: seasonal activity - April to June with a peak in late May and early June..
What is the life cycle of a Pocota personata?
The larvae develop in rot holes and other tree cavities filled with water or wet detritus often at some height, and females are most often seen investigating these (looking like white-tailed bumblebees entering an aerial nest).