streepfopwesp
EN

streepfopwesp

Chrysotoxum vernale

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

Chrysotoxum vernale faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread loss of flower-rich meadows and grasslands essential for adult feeding. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many of the diverse wildflower communities this hoverfly depends on, while the specific ant species that host its larvae are themselves declining due to habitat fragmentation. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the timing of flowering periods and disrupting the delicate ecological relationships between the fly, its host ants, and nectar sources.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized hoverfly inhabits flower-rich meadows, chalk downs, and unimproved grasslands across northern and central Europe. The larvae develop as inquilines in ant nests, particularly those of Lasius species, making the species dependent on both diverse flowering plants for adult nutrition and specific ant colonies for reproduction.

Other threatened species in Syrphidae

kustplatvoetjeEN

kustplatvoetje

Platycheirus immarginatus

Unknown
CR

Merodon longispina

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saksische fopwespCR

saksische fopwesp

Chrysotoxum verralli

Unknown
zwartpootgitjeCR

zwartpootgitje

Cheilosia nigripes

Unknown

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
EN

knopphodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria nodosa

Unknown
EN

Dolichopus notatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is streepfopwesp classified as Endangered?
streepfopwesp 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. Chrysotoxum vernale faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread loss of flower-rich meadows and grasslands essential for adult feeding. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many of the diverse wildflower communities this hoverfly depends on, while the specific ant species that host its larvae are themselves declining due to habitat fragmentation. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the timing of flowering periods and disrupting the delicate ecological relationships between the fly, its host ants, and nectar sources.
Where does streepfopwesp live?
streepfopwesp occurs in Åland Islands, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia (plus 27 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 streepfopwesp?
The main threats to streepfopwesp 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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