EN

Zipperback

Chrysotoxum elegans

UnknownNTEUNTEU

Overview

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

The Zipperback faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of ancient woodland ecosystems across its European range. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many of the mature deciduous forests this hoverfly depends on for breeding, while climate change is shifting the phenology of its preferred host plants. Pesticide use in adjacent agricultural areas further reduces available prey insects that adults rely on for sustenance.

Threat summary

Habitat

Chrysotoxum elegans inhabits mature deciduous and mixed forests, particularly those with abundant dead wood and tree hollows where larvae develop. The species shows strong preference for ancient woodland sites with diverse understory vegetation and minimal human disturbance.

Other threatened species in Syrphidae

Chalcosyrphus valgusVU

Chalcosyrphus valgus

Unknown
Cheilosia nebulosaVU

Cheilosia nebulosa

Unknown
CR

Merodon longispina

Unknown
Chrysotoxum verralliCR

Chrysotoxum verralli

Unknown

Threatened in Austria

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown
EN

Pipizella nigriana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Zipperback classified as Endangered?
Zipperback 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. The Zipperback faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of ancient woodland ecosystems across its European range. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many of the mature deciduous forests this hoverfly depends on for breeding, while climate change is shifting the phenology of its preferred host plants. Pesticide use in adjacent agricultural areas further reduces available prey insects that adults rely on for sustenance.
Where does Zipperback live?
Zipperback occurs in Austria, Bulgaria, China, Czechia, France, and Germany (plus 14 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 Zipperback?
The main threats to Zipperback 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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