Chrysogaster

Meigen, 1803

Low-horned Wrinkleheads

Species Guides

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Chrysogaster is a of small hoverflies in the Eristalinae. are dark or black with shiny colorful reflections and visit flowers in damp marshy areas. The aquatic larvae possess a short breathing siphon, shorter than that of related genera such as Eristalis. Several related genera—Melanogaster, Orthonevra, Lejogaster, and Riponnensia—were formerly classified within Chrysogaster.

Chrysogaster greenei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Chrysogaster pulchella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Chrysogaster pulchella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysogaster: /ˈkrɪsoʊˌɡæstər/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Small hoverflies with dark or black bodies and shiny, colorful metallic reflections. Distinguished from similar by larval : larvae possess a notably short breathing siphon compared to the elongated siphons of Eristalis and related genera. frequent flowers in marshy . Former members of this genus (now Melanogaster, Orthonevra, Lejogaster, Riponnensia) may appear similar; accurate identification requires examination of genitalic characters and larval siphon structure.

Images

Habitat

Damp marshy areas with emergent vegetation; pond edges. Larvae are aquatic, living in water among emergent vegetation.

Distribution

Records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden; broader distribution likely across the Palearctic given described from Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Life Cycle

Aquatic larval stage. Larvae possess a short breathing siphon (shorter than related ) that connects to the water surface for respiration. Mature larvae leave water to pupate on dry land; pupal capsule is hard and mouse-shaped.

Behavior

visit flowers. Larvae filter bacteria and microbes from organic matter in water.

Ecological Role

function as . Larvae contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling in aquatic systems.

Human Relevance

are of wildflowers. Larvae may occur in water container gardens, where they can be mistaken for pests; they do not bite or sting.

Similar Taxa

  • EristalisLarvae possess very long breathing siphons; Chrysogaster larvae have short siphons. Both are aquatic hoverfly larvae but occupy different positions along the siphon-length spectrum.
  • MelanogasterFormerly classified within Chrysogaster; now recognized as distinct . Separation based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence.
  • OrthonevraFormerly classified within Chrysogaster; now recognized as distinct .
  • LejogasterFormerly classified within Chrysogaster; now recognized as distinct .
  • RiponnensiaFormerly classified within Chrysogaster; now recognized as distinct .

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Sources and further reading