grote gevlekte langlijf
Sphaerophoria interrupta
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphaerophoria_interrupta
Overview
The grote gevlekte langlijf (Sphaerophoria interrupta) is a distinctive hoverfly species characterized by its elongated abdomen with interrupted yellow bands and spotted wing patterns. As an important pollinator, this species plays a crucial ecological role in maintaining plant diversity while its larvae serve as biological control agents by feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied insects.
Sphaerophoria interrupta, a hoverfly species, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland and grassland environments. Agricultural intensification and urbanization have eliminated much of the species' required breeding and foraging habitat, while climate change may be altering the availability of suitable microhabitats.
Habitat
Sphaerophoria interrupta inhabits flower-rich grasslands, traditional hay meadows, and woodland edges where diverse native flowering plants provide nectar sources. The species requires areas with abundant aphid populations on herbaceous plants for larval development, typically found in semi-natural grasslands with minimal chemical inputs.
Other threatened species in Syrphidae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is grote gevlekte langlijf classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does grote gevlekte langlijf live?
What are the main threats to grote gevlekte langlijf?
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