behaarde wespvlieg
Spilomyia manicata
The behaarde wespvlieg (Spilomyia manicata) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its robust, hairy body and striking wasp-like yellow and black coloration that serves as protective mimicry. This medium-sized dipteran plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of various flowering plants and as part of forest decomposition cycles, with its larvae developing in decaying wood.
22
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spilomyia_manicata
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Spilomyia
behaarde wespvlieg belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The behaarde wespvlieg (Spilomyia manicata) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its robust, hairy body and striking wasp-like yellow and black coloration that serves as protective mimicry. This medium-sized dipteran plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of various flowering plants and as part of forest decomposition cycles, with its larvae developing in decaying wood.
The behaarde wespvlieg faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation of its specialized woodland environments. Climate change and agricultural intensification are reducing the availability of suitable forest edges and clearings where this hoverfly depends on specific host plants and nectar sources.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, and woodland clearings with abundant dead wood and fallen logs. The species requires areas with flowering plants for nectar sources and decaying organic matter where larvae can develop.
Threats
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Climate change impacts on host plant availability
Forest management practices reducing habitat quality
Loss of dead wood and breeding substrates
Found in 22 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
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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). behaarde wespvlieg (Spilomyia manicata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/behaarde-wespvlieg