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TranslateSyritta pipiens
Syritta pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758)
Wing length: 4.25 to 7mm Length: 6.5 to 9mm.
Commonly known as the “Thick Legged Fly” because of the characteristic broad femora.
Family: Syrphidae, Tribe: Xylotini
Adults March to November (peaks in July and August)
This small hoverfly, is one of the more common species in the Syrphidae family throughout the UK and originates from Europe. (A similar species, Syritta flaviventris, which is more prominent in southern Europe). In the 1800’s it was introduced across Eurasia and North America.
It is a very nimble flyer, but will rarely fly higher than 1 metre. Males are territorial, especially to other males of the same species.
The larvae and puparia are found in damp decaying plant matter, silage and manure. (Animal and human manure).
Habitat: Prefers a moist to damp environment, with good vegetation growth. Hedgerows, gardens, urban parks, meadows, as well as farmlands, particularly with livestock. Adults visit a wide variety of seasoned flowers and plants, for pollen and nectar. Syritta pipiens plays an important role in the ecosystem, being important pollinators for many seasonal flowers and is also preyed upon by various parasitic species of wasps. This species is also credited for reflecting the health of the local environment, measured by the abundance in numbers found.
Read MoreWing length: 4.25 to 7mm Length: 6.5 to 9mm.
Commonly known as the “Thick Legged Fly” because of the characteristic broad femora.
Family: Syrphidae, Tribe: Xylotini
Adults March to November (peaks in July and August)
This small hoverfly, is one of the more common species in the Syrphidae family throughout the UK and originates from Europe. (A similar species, Syritta flaviventris, which is more prominent in southern Europe). In the 1800’s it was introduced across Eurasia and North America.
It is a very nimble flyer, but will rarely fly higher than 1 metre. Males are territorial, especially to other males of the same species.
The larvae and puparia are found in damp decaying plant matter, silage and manure. (Animal and human manure).
Habitat: Prefers a moist to damp environment, with good vegetation growth. Hedgerows, gardens, urban parks, meadows, as well as farmlands, particularly with livestock. Adults visit a wide variety of seasoned flowers and plants, for pollen and nectar. Syritta pipiens plays an important role in the ecosystem, being important pollinators for many seasonal flowers and is also preyed upon by various parasitic species of wasps. This species is also credited for reflecting the health of the local environment, measured by the abundance in numbers found.
