Klithede-maskesvirreflue
Paragus finitimus
Klithede-maskesvirreflue (Paragus finitimus) is a small hoverfly species characterized by its distinctive facial markings and metallic sheen. This specialized pollinator plays a crucial role in maintaining plant diversity within its limited range, particularly serving wildflower communities in coastal and semi-natural grassland ecosystems.
19
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Syrphidae
Genus
Paragus
Klithede-maskesvirreflue belongs to the family Syrphidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Klithede-maskesvirreflue (Paragus finitimus) is a small hoverfly species characterized by its distinctive facial markings and metallic sheen. This specialized pollinator plays a crucial role in maintaining plant diversity within its limited range, particularly serving wildflower communities in coastal and semi-natural grassland ecosystems.
Paragus finitimus, the Klithede-maskesvirreflue, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and fragmentation of suitable breeding sites.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This hoverfly inhabits flower-rich coastal grasslands, cliff-top meadows, and traditional hay meadows with diverse wildflower assemblages. The species requires areas with specific host plants for larval development and abundant nectar sources, typically found in unimproved grasslands with calcareous soils.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Paragus finitimus, the Klithede-maskesvirreflue, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and fragmentation of suitable breeding sites.
Habitat loss from agricultural intensification
Urban development and land conversion
Climate change impacts on microhabitat conditions
Habitat fragmentation
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Found in 19 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 | ENEndangered | ENEndangered | Same |
| EU | ENEndangered | ENEndangered | Same |
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). Klithede-maskesvirreflue (Paragus finitimus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/klithede-maskesvirreflue