Portevinia maculata
This record describes Portevinia maculata (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized black hoverfly related to Cheilosia with large grey dust-spots on tergites 2 and 3 of the males. Often present at good stands of Ramsons in woods but sometimes absent for reasons that are unclear. It can also use Ramsons in more open locations such as parkland and open woodland in the north and west and abroad it will use other Allium species such as Three-cornered Garlic. The larvae develop in the stem bases and bulbs of Ramsons and the very sluggish adults can normally be observed sitting on the leaves (or on nearby foliage), particularly in May when the plant is flowering.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often present at good stands of Ramsons in woods but sometimes absent for reasons that are unclear. It can also use Ramsons in more open locations such as parkland and open woodland in the north and west and abroad it will use other Allium species such as Three-cornered Garlic.
Seasonal Activity
May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in the stem bases and bulbs of Ramsons and the very sluggish adults can normally be observed sitting on the leaves (or on nearby foliage), particularly in May when the plant is flowering.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a widespread but localised fly.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Portevinia maculata. 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 Portevinia maculata (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Portevinia maculata
What is Portevinia maculata?
Portevinia maculata is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Portevinia maculata found?
Habitat: Often present at good stands of Ramsons in woods but sometimes absent for reasons that are unclear. It can also use Ramsons in more open locations such as parkland and open woodland in the north and west and abroad it will use other Allium species such as Three-cornered Garlic.
When is Portevinia maculata active?
Portevinia maculata: seasonal activity - May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Portevinia maculata?
The larvae develop in the stem bases and bulbs of Ramsons and the very sluggish adults can normally be observed sitting on the leaves (or on nearby foliage), particularly in May when the plant is flowering.