bosglimmer
Orthonevra brevicornis
The bosglimmer (Orthonevra brevicornis) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its shortened antennae and metallic green-bronze thorax with pale yellow abdominal markings. This specialized pollinator plays a crucial role in maintaining plant diversity in its native ecosystems, particularly favoring umbelliferous flowers and serving as an important pollinator for several rare wildflower species.
14
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthonevra_brevicornis
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Orthonevra
bosglimmer belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The bosglimmer (Orthonevra brevicornis) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its shortened antennae and metallic green-bronze thorax with pale yellow abdominal markings. This specialized pollinator plays a crucial role in maintaining plant diversity in its native ecosystems, particularly favoring umbelliferous flowers and serving as an important pollinator for several rare wildflower species.
Orthonevra brevicornis faces significant population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Climate change and pollution are exacerbating these pressures on remaining populations of this hoverfly species.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Bosglimmers inhabit species-rich grasslands, traditional hay meadows, and woodland edges where dead wood and leaf litter provide essential breeding substrates. They are particularly associated with areas containing abundant umbelliferous plants such as hogweed and wild carrot, often found near streams or in damp meadow margins.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Orthonevra brevicornis faces significant population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Climate change and pollution are exacerbating these pressures on remaining populations of this hoverfly species.
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Wetland habitat destruction and drainage
Climate change altering precipitation patterns
Loss of native plant communities
Water pollution and eutrophication
Found in 14 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). bosglimmer (Orthonevra brevicornis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bosglimmer