berookte bladloper
Xylota meigeniana
The berookte bladloper (Xylota meigeniana) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its smoky-dark coloration and robust build. This syrphid fly plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of woodland flowers in its adult stage and as a decomposer during its larval phase, when it feeds on decaying organic matter in tree hollows and rotting wood.
12
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Bastien Louboutin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Bastien Louboutin
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Xylota
berookte bladloper belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The berookte bladloper (Xylota meigeniana) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its smoky-dark coloration and robust build. This syrphid fly plays a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator of woodland flowers in its adult stage and as a decomposer during its larval phase, when it feeds on decaying organic matter in tree hollows and rotting wood.
The berookte bladloper faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation as urbanization and agricultural intensification reduce suitable woodland and forest edge environments. Climate change and pollution further stress populations of this hoverfly species, while its specialized ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This hoverfly species inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, parks, and gardens with abundant flowering plants and decaying organic matter. It requires areas with both nectar sources for adults and suitable breeding sites in rotting wood or leaf litter.
Threats
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Habitat loss from urbanization and development
Air pollution impacting flight and foraging behavior
Climate change affecting host plant availability
Forest fragmentation and edge habitat degradation
Found in 12 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). berookte bladloper (Xylota meigeniana). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/berookte-bladloper