bergknappflue
Cheilosia semifasciata
The bergknappflue (Cheilosia semifasciata) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its metallic bronze-green coloration and semi-banded abdomen markings. This specialized pollinator plays a crucial ecological role in alpine and subalpine ecosystems, particularly in the pollination of mountain wildflowers and maintaining genetic diversity in isolated plant populations.
16
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheilosia_semifasciata
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Cheilosia
bergknappflue belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The bergknappflue (Cheilosia semifasciata) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its metallic bronze-green coloration and semi-banded abdomen markings. This specialized pollinator plays a crucial ecological role in alpine and subalpine ecosystems, particularly in the pollination of mountain wildflowers and maintaining genetic diversity in isolated plant populations.
The bergknappflue (Cheilosia semifasciata) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized alpine and subalpine environments. Climate change poses an additional severe threat by altering the temperature and precipitation patterns of high-altitude ecosystems where this hoverfly species depends on specific host plants and microhabitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Cheilosia semifasciata inhabits high-altitude meadows and rocky slopes in mountainous regions, typically found between 1,500-2,800 meters elevation where it depends on specific alpine flowering plants. The species requires undisturbed montane grasslands with abundant native wildflowers and is particularly associated with areas featuring natural rock outcrops and scree slopes.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The bergknappflue (Cheilosia semifasciata) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized alpine and subalpine environments. Climate change poses an additional severe threat by altering the temperature and precipitation patterns of high-altitude ecosystems where this hoverfly species depends on specific host plants and microhabitats.
Climate change impacts on alpine ecosystems
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Loss of host plant species
Agricultural intensification in adjacent areas
Tourism and recreational pressure
Found in 16 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | 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). bergknappflue (Cheilosia semifasciata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bergknappflue