bosfluweelzweefvlieg
Parhelophilus frutetorum
The bosfluweelzweefvlieg (Parhelophilus frutetorum) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its fuzzy, velvet-like appearance and yellow-brown coloration with dark markings. Adults are important pollinators of woodland wildflowers and shrubs, while their larvae develop in decaying organic matter in forest floor detritus, contributing to nutrient cycling in woodland ecosystems.
26
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parhelophilus_frutetorum
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Parhelophilus
bosfluweelzweefvlieg belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The bosfluweelzweefvlieg (Parhelophilus frutetorum) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its fuzzy, velvet-like appearance and yellow-brown coloration with dark markings. Adults are important pollinators of woodland wildflowers and shrubs, while their larvae develop in decaying organic matter in forest floor detritus, contributing to nutrient cycling in woodland ecosystems.
Parhelophilus frutetorum faces significant pressure from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urbanization across its European range. The species' dependence on specific flowering plants and traditional farming landscapes makes it particularly vulnerable to changes in land use practices and the decline of semi-natural habitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This hoverfly species inhabits woodland edges, hedgerows, orchards, and traditional agricultural landscapes with abundant flowering plants. It particularly favors semi-natural habitats including scrubland, parks, and gardens where umbelliferous plants and other nectar sources are available.
Threats
Agricultural intensification
Habitat fragmentation
Climate change impacts on host plants
Loss of flowering plant diversity
Urbanization and development
Found in 26 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). bosfluweelzweefvlieg (Parhelophilus frutetorum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bosfluweelzweefvlieg