EN

gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga

Physocephala vittata

Unknown

Overview

Physocephala vittata is a distinctive thick-headed fly species characterized by its robust build, prominent head, and striped abdomen pattern. As a parasitoid, it plays a crucial ecological role by targeting specific bee and wasp hosts, with females intercepting their prey in flight to deposit eggs that develop internally within the living host.

Physocephala vittata, a thick-headed fly species, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urbanization of its specialized grassland and meadow habitats. The species' parasitic lifestyle, which depends on specific host bee and wasp species, makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in pollinator communities caused by pesticide use and habitat fragmentation.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits flower-rich meadows, forest edges, and traditional agricultural landscapes where diverse wild bee and wasp communities thrive. It requires areas with abundant nectar sources for adult feeding and suitable nesting sites for its host species.

Other threatened species in Conopidae

VU

Kalkblaaskaakje

Myopa variegata

Unknown
svartprickig gulstekelflugaCR

svartprickig gulstekelfluga

Dalmannia punctata

Unknown
Zwart knuppeltjeVU

Zwart knuppeltje

Physocephala nigra

Unknown

Threatened in Algeria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
small mallowVU

small mallow

Malva pusilla

Unknown
Blind SnailVU

Blind Snail

Cecilioides acicula

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga classified as Endangered?
gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Physocephala vittata, a thick-headed fly species, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urbanization of its specialized grassland and meadow habitats. The species' parasitic lifestyle, which depends on specific host bee and wasp species, makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in pollinator communities caused by pesticide use and habitat fragmentation.
Where does gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga live?
gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga occurs in Algeria, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus (plus 26 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga?
The main threats to gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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