Syritta pipiens
This record describes Syritta pipiens (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male: Female: Introduced from Europe in the 1800s ( Martin Hauser's comment ).
Identification notes
Male: Female:
Wikipedia reference for Syritta pipiens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syritta_pipiens.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in wet decaying organic matter (manure, compost, silage) . Stages of Syritta pipiens have been reported from cow and horse manure, from guinea pig manure and from human excrement. It has also been found in decayed and rotting tulip bulbs and in heaps of vegetable refuse (Hodson, 1931).
Geographic Range
Across NA & Eurasia
Seasonal Activity
mid-Apr to mid-Oct in ON
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on decaying Narcissus bulbs; wet manure, compost and silage.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Syritta pipiens (Linnaeus 1758)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Syritta pipiens. 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 Syritta pipiens (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Joyce Gross , Robin McLeod , Aaron Schusteff , v belov , zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Syritta pipiens
What is Syritta pipiens?
Syritta pipiens is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Syritta pipiens?
6.5-9.5 mm
How do you identify Syritta pipiens?
Male: Female:
Where is Syritta pipiens found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in wet decaying organic matter (manure, compost, silage) . Stages of Syritta pipiens have been reported from cow and horse manure, from guinea pig manure and from human excrement. It has also been found in decayed and rotting tulip bulbs and in heaps of vegetable refuse (Hodson, 1931). |
| Range | Across NA & Eurasia |
What does Syritta pipiens eat?
The diet of the Syritta pipiens includes Larvae feed on decaying Narcissus bulbs; wet manure, compost and silage..
When is Syritta pipiens active?
Syritta pipiens: seasonal activity - mid-Apr to mid-Oct in ON.