Asksavblomfluga
Brachyopa scutellaris
Asksavblomfluga (Brachyopa scutellaris) is a distinctive hoverfly species with a robust, dark body and characteristic pale markings on its scutellum. This specialized dipteran plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of woodland flowers and as a predator, with its larvae feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied insects in tree hollows and decaying wood.
13
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachyopa_scutellaris
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Brachyopa
Asksavblomfluga belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Asksavblomfluga (Brachyopa scutellaris) is a distinctive hoverfly species with a robust, dark body and characteristic pale markings on its scutellum. This specialized dipteran plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of woodland flowers and as a predator, with its larvae feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied insects in tree hollows and decaying wood.
Brachyopa scutellaris faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation as wetland ecosystems continue to decline across its range. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the hydrology and plant communities of bog and fen habitats that this specialized hoverfly depends upon. The species' narrow ecological requirements and dependence on specific microhabitats make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits acidic wetland environments including Sphagnum bogs, fens, and marshy areas with abundant moss cover. It is particularly associated with areas where decaying organic matter accumulates in waterlogged conditions, providing breeding sites for its larvae.
Threats
Climate change impacts on bog hydrology
Wetland habitat loss and drainage
Degradation of Sphagnum moss communities
Habitat fragmentation
Pollution and eutrophication of wetlands
Found in 13 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | 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
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
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). Asksavblomfluga (Brachyopa scutellaris). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/asksavblomfluga