Riponnensia splendens
This record describes Riponnensia splendens (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the only species of its genus in the UK. The thorax is a greenish copper with two grey stripes. There is a broad belt of whitish dusting across the face. It prefers marshes, fens and wet woodland, and particularly favours Meadowsweet and umbellifers, in sheltered places near to bushes or trees. Flies from May to October with a peak in July. Common in southern England, the Midlands and Wales, scarcer in Scotland.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It prefers marshes, fens and wet woodland, and particularly favours Meadowsweet and umbellifers, in sheltered places near to bushes or trees.
Seasonal Activity
Flies from May to October with a peak in July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common in southern England, the Midlands and Wales, scarcer in Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Riponnensia splendens. 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 Riponnensia splendens (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Riponnensia splendens
What is Riponnensia splendens?
Riponnensia splendens is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Riponnensia splendens found?
Habitat: It prefers marshes, fens and wet woodland, and particularly favours Meadowsweet and umbellifers, in sheltered places near to bushes or trees.
When is Riponnensia splendens active?
Riponnensia splendens: seasonal activity - Flies from May to October with a peak in July..