slavemaurblomsterfluge
EN

slavemaurblomsterfluge

Microdon mutabilis

UnknownVUEUVUEU

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

Overview

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

Microdon mutabilis faces severe population declines primarily due to the destruction and fragmentation of its specialized ant-associated habitats. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many of the mature woodland edges and semi-natural grasslands where its host ant colonies thrive. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the delicate ecological relationships between the hoverfly larvae, their ant hosts, and the specific microhabitats they require for successful reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized hoverfly inhabits woodland edges, mature hedgerows, and semi-natural grasslands where its larvae develop as inquilines within ant colonies, particularly those of Lasius species. The adults require flower-rich habitats adjacent to these ant-dominated areas for nectar feeding and mating.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is slavemaurblomsterfluge classified as Endangered?
slavemaurblomsterfluge 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. Microdon mutabilis faces severe population declines primarily due to the destruction and fragmentation of its specialized ant-associated habitats. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many of the mature woodland edges and semi-natural grasslands where its host ant colonies thrive. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the delicate ecological relationships between the hoverfly larvae, their ant hosts, and the specific microhabitats they require for successful reproduction.
Where does slavemaurblomsterfluge live?
slavemaurblomsterfluge occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, and Estonia (plus 20 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 slavemaurblomsterfluge?
The main threats to slavemaurblomsterfluge 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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