Long Hoverfly
Sphaerophoria scripta
This record describes Sphaerophoria scripta (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The male is readily identifiable as its body is longer than the wings, though the pattern of black and yellow is variable with a darker form fairly frequent. Females however cannot be readily identified. Found from April to November, peaking in July and August. The larvae feed on ground-layer aphids. Migrants probably add to the British population in some years. Common over much of Britain, though less so in the north.
Wikipedia reference for Sphaerophoria scripta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphaerophoria_scripta.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open grassland and urban wasteland.
Seasonal Activity
Found from April to November, peaking in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on ground-layer aphids. Migrants probably add to the British population in some years.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common over much of Britain, though less so in the north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sphaerophoria scripta. 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 Long Hoverfly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Hoverfly
What is Long Hoverfly?
Long Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta) is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Long Hoverfly found?
Habitat: Open grassland and urban wasteland.
When is Long Hoverfly active?
Long Hoverfly: seasonal activity - Found from April to November, peaking in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Long Hoverfly?
The larvae feed on ground-layer aphids. Migrants probably add to the British population in some years.