Scaeva affinis
This record describes Scaeva affinis (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Eyes with dense hair; upper 2/3 of male eye with extensive area of almost uniformly enlarged facets ; abdomen dark, with six white, curved stripes. Larvae are light green with a white dorsal longitudinal stripe. Usually with abdominal bands, but sometimes also in dark forms: ♂ ♀ may consume over 500 aphids during its larval stages
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic; in NA, western (AK-CA to AB-NM) ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
1. Larvae. 2. Puparium
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scaeva affinis. 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 Scaeva affinis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Hartmut Wisch , v belov , edanko , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaeva affinis
What is Scaeva affinis?
Scaeva affinis is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Scaeva affinis?
11.1-15.7 mm
How do you identify Scaeva affinis?
Eyes with dense hair; upper 2/3 of male eye with extensive area of almost uniformly enlarged facets ; abdomen dark, with six white, curved stripes. Larvae are light green with a white dorsal longitudinal stripe. Usually with abdominal bands, but sometimes also in dark forms: ♂ ♀
Where is Scaeva affinis found?
Range: Holarctic; in NA, western (AK-CA to AB-NM) ( 3 )
What is the life cycle of a Scaeva affinis?
1. Larvae. 2. Puparium