Tropidia scita
This record describes Tropidia scita (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The key identification feature of this hoverfly is the arched and swollen hind femur with a large triangular projection on its lower surface near the apex. (Visible is several photos below, including an enlargment.) The projection has small black spines along its hind edge. The abdomen has orange markings on tergites 2 and 3, covering the entire lateral margins in males, but reduced in females, sometimes to paired spots. This fly prefers marshy areas and fens, particularly where reedbeds are present. May to October, with the greatest numbers being on the wing in June and July. Still unclear. The larva is believed to develop in wet debris such as reedbed litter. Widespread in Southern and Eastern England but local. It tends to become coastal further north, reaching as far as southern Scotland.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This fly prefers marshy areas and fens, particularly where reedbeds are present.
Seasonal Activity
May to October, with the greatest numbers being on the wing in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Still unclear. The larva is believed to develop in wet debris such as reedbed litter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Southern and Eastern England but local. It tends to become coastal further north, reaching as far as southern Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tropidia scita. 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 Tropidia scita (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tropidia scita
What is Tropidia scita?
Tropidia scita is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tropidia scita?
5.5 to 8.25 mm
How do you identify Tropidia scita?
feature of this hoverfly is the arched and swollen hind femur with a large triangular projection on its lower surface near the apex. (Visible is several photos below, including an enlargment.) The projection has small black spines along its hind edge.
Where is Tropidia scita found?
Habitat: This fly prefers marshy areas and fens, particularly where reedbeds are present.
When is Tropidia scita active?
Tropidia scita: seasonal activity - May to October, with the greatest numbers being on the wing in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Tropidia scita?
Still unclear. The larva is believed to develop in wet debris such as reedbed litter.