Sphaerophoria fatarum
EN

Sphaerophoria fatarum

Local name: Myrsländfluga

UnknownNTEUNTEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphaerophoria_fatarum

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Sphaerophoria fatarum faces severe population decline due to the destruction and fragmentation of its specialized wetland habitats across Scandinavia. Agricultural intensification and drainage of marshy areas have eliminated critical breeding sites, while climate change is altering the hydrology of remaining suitable habitats. The species' narrow ecological requirements and limited dispersal ability make it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized hoverfly inhabits marshy meadows, wet grasslands, and the margins of small wetlands in northern Europe. It requires areas with specific flowering plants and maintains close associations with particular microhabitats that provide both nectar sources and suitable conditions for larval development.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Myrsländfluga classified as Endangered?
Myrsländfluga 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. Sphaerophoria fatarum faces severe population decline due to the destruction and fragmentation of its specialized wetland habitats across Scandinavia. Agricultural intensification and drainage of marshy areas have eliminated critical breeding sites, while climate change is altering the hydrology of remaining suitable habitats. The species' narrow ecological requirements and limited dispersal ability make it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.
Where does Myrsländfluga live?
Myrsländfluga occurs in Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, and Iceland (plus 9 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 Myrsländfluga?
The main threats to Myrsländfluga 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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