Bog Hoverfly
Eristalis cryptarum
Eristalis cryptarum is a holarctic species of hoverfly. Known as the bog hoverfly or bog-dwelling drone fly, it is a bog specialist but may occur in other wetlands.
22
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eristalis_cryptarum
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Eristalis
Bog Hoverfly belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Eristalis cryptarum is a holarctic species of hoverfly. Known as the bog hoverfly or bog-dwelling drone fly, it is a bog specialist but may occur in other wetlands. Its larvae are assumed to live in peat that is saturated with water, such as that found in these boggy areas. The female has been observed depositing eggs on and close to very fresh cow dung along oligotrophic seepages in moorland.
The Bog Hoverfly faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread destruction and degradation of its specialized bog and wetland habitats. Climate change and human development pressures continue to fragment and eliminate the pristine peat bog ecosystems this species depends on for breeding and survival.
Key Facts
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Bog Hoverfly faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread destruction and degradation of its specialized bog and wetland habitats. Climate change and human development pressures continue to fragment and eliminate the pristine peat bog ecosystems this species depends on for breeding and survival.
Climate change affecting bog hydrology
Drainage and conversion of wetlands for agriculture
Habitat loss and degradation of peat bogs
Peat extraction and mining activities
Pollution and eutrophication of water bodies
Found in 22 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 | LCLeast Concern | ENEndangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | 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). Bog Hoverfly (Eristalis cryptarum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bog-hoverfly