Eristalis rupium

Fabricius, 1805

Spot-winged Drone Fly

Eristalis rupium, the spot-winged , is a European first described by Fabricius in 1805. It is a common species across Europe and uncommon in North America. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits of and serves as an important . The are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed , inhabiting clear-water streams.

Eristalis rupium by (c) Michael Knapp, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Knapp. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eristalis rupium: //ˌɛrɪˈsteɪlɪs ˈruːpiəm//

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Images

Habitat

inhabit streams with clear water. are commonly found around and on flowers.

Distribution

Europe (common); North America (uncommon). Distribution records from Flanders, Belgium, Walloon Region, Denmark, and Norway.

Diet

feed on nectar for energy and pollen as a source for development. are filter-feeders consuming bacteria and other microbes from matter in water.

Life Cycle

are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed , possessing an elongated for breathing. Larvae develop in clear-water streams, then seek dry land to pupate. occurs in a hard capsule.

Behavior

are capable of hovering nearly motionless in . Exhibits migratory alongside staying-put strategies to survive variable winter conditions.

Ecological Role

serve as , visiting flowers to obtain nectar and pollen. contribute to as filter-feeders in aquatic systems.

Human Relevance

provide services in gardens and natural landscapes. The is sometimes mistaken for due to its .

Similar Taxa

Eristalis tenaxBoth are with similar -mimic appearance; E. tenax is more and has in -rich standing water rather than clear streams.