Hover fly
Eristalis rupium
Eristalis rupium, commonly known as the spot-winged drone fly, is a species of syrphid fly that was first described by Fabricius in 1805. It is a common European species, and uncommon in North America.
36
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eristalis_rupium
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Eristalis
Hover fly belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Eristalis rupium, commonly known as the spot-winged drone fly, is a species of syrphid fly that was first described by Fabricius in 1805. It is a common European species, and uncommon in North America. Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies as they are commonly found around and on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, found in streams with clear water.
Eristalis rupium faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland breeding sites. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water pollution have significantly reduced the availability of suitable bog and fen habitats where larvae develop in organic-rich water bodies.
Key Facts
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Eristalis rupium faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland breeding sites. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water pollution have significantly reduced the availability of suitable bog and fen habitats where larvae develop in organic-rich water bodies.
Agricultural intensification and drainage of wetlands
Habitat loss and fragmentation of bog and fen ecosystems
Climate change affecting wetland hydrology
Urban development pressure on remaining habitat patches
Water pollution and eutrophication of breeding sites
Found in 36 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
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
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). Hover fly (Eristalis rupium). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/hover-fly