Dasysyrphus pacificus

(Lovett, 1919)

Dasysyrphus pacificus is a of hoverfly ( Syrphidae) originally described from the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Dasysyrphus pauxillus. Hoverflies in this are commonly known as 'flower flies' due to their frequent presence at flowers, where feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae of Dasysyrphus species are predatory, typically feeding on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dasysyrphus pacificus: //ˌdæ.saɪˈsɪrfəs pəˈsɪfɪkəs//

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Identification

Dasysyrphus are characterized by a black-and-yellow banded abdominal pattern resembling bees or , a form of . Distinguishing D. pacificus from other Dasysyrphus species and from the synonymized D. pauxillus requires examination of subtle morphological features including male genitalia and facial markings. The species has been reported from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and other parts of Europe, though these records may represent misidentifications or introductions given its original North American description.

Distribution

Originally described from the Pacific Northwest of North America. GBIF records indicate presence in Belgium (Flanders, Flemish Region), Denmark, and Norway, though the taxonomic status as a synonym of D. pauxillus complicates interpretation of these records. The has not been the focus of dedicated distributional studies.

Ecological Role

As a hoverfly, likely contribute to pollination through nectar and pollen feeding at flowers. Larvae of Dasysyrphus are known , providing of pest insects, though specific prey records for D. pacificus are not documented.

Similar Taxa

Dasysyrphus pauxillusD. pacificus is currently synonymized under D. pauxillus; the two names represent the same biological . D. pauxillus is a widespread Palearctic species, and the synonymy suggests D. pacificus may represent either a misidentification or a introduced of this species in North America.
Dasysyrphus albostriatusAnother banded Dasysyrphus with similar coloration; requires careful examination of thoracic markings and male genitalia for separation.
Dasysyrphus tricinctusShares the black-and-yellow banded abdominal pattern; distinguished by differences in facial coloration and the arrangement of yellow markings on the .

More Details

Taxonomic Status

Dasysyrphus pacificus was described by Lovett in 1919 from the Pacific Northwest. It is currently treated as a synonym of Dasysyrphus pauxillus (Fallén, 1817), a widespread Palearctic hoverfly . This synonymy raises questions about whether the original North American records represent a distinct of D. pauxillus, an introduction, or a misidentification of another species. The European GBIF records for D. pacificus likely reflect data entry under the synonym rather than independent verification of this name in Europe.

Nomenclatural Note

The specific epithet 'pacificus' refers to the Pacific region of North America where the was collected. This creates potential confusion with Ixodes pacificus, the western blacklegged tick, which shares the same specific epithet and general geographic origin but belongs to an entirely different (Arthropoda: Arachnida: Ixodidae). The two are unrelated beyond their coincidental naming.