arktisk tigerfluge
Sericomyia arctica
The Arctic hoverfly (Sericomyia arctica) is a distinctive dipteran species with a robust, bee-like appearance featuring yellow and black striping that provides effective Batesian mimicry. This cold-adapted hoverfly plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of Arctic flowering plants and as a predator in its larval stage, helping control populations of other invertebrates in tundra ecosystems.
4
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Sericomyia
arktisk tigerfluge belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The Arctic hoverfly (Sericomyia arctica) is a distinctive dipteran species with a robust, bee-like appearance featuring yellow and black striping that provides effective Batesian mimicry. This cold-adapted hoverfly plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of Arctic flowering plants and as a predator in its larval stage, helping control populations of other invertebrates in tundra ecosystems.
Sericomyia arctica faces significant threats from climate change, which is altering Arctic and subarctic ecosystems where this hoverfly species depends on specific temperature and moisture conditions. Habitat degradation from human activities and changing precipitation patterns further threaten the specialized bog and wetland environments this species requires for breeding and survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits wet tundra environments, particularly areas near shallow ponds, marshes, and boggy depressions where larvae develop in organic-rich sediments. Adults are typically found foraging on low-growing Arctic wildflowers in open tundra meadows and along the edges of snowmelt areas.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Sericomyia arctica faces significant threats from climate change, which is altering Arctic and subarctic ecosystems where this hoverfly species depends on specific temperature and moisture conditions. Habitat degradation from human activities and changing precipitation patterns further threaten the specialized bog and wetland environments this species requires for breeding and survival.
Climate change and warming temperatures
Habitat loss and degradation of bog ecosystems
Changes in precipitation patterns affecting wetland hydrology
Human disturbance and development in Arctic regions
Found in 4 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (EN).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | VUVulnerable | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | VUVulnerable | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). arktisk tigerfluge (Sericomyia arctica). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/arktisk-tigerfluge