Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Syrphidae (hoverflies)
- Subfamily: Syrphinae
- Genus: Melangyna Meigen, 1822
- Species: Melangyna umbellatarum (Fabricius, 1794)
Common name
The species is commonly referred to as the “umbellifer hoverfly,” reflecting its frequent association with plants of the Apiaceae (umbellifers).
Description
Melangyna umbellatarum is a medium‑sized hoverfly, typically 9–11 mm in length. Adults possess a predominantly black thorax with yellow‑ish‑brown markings on the abdomen. The wings are clear, and the eyes are holoptic in males and dichoptic in females. The species can be distinguished from congeners by the pattern of abdominal tergite markings and the shape of the male genitalia, as detailed in identification keys (e.g., Stubbs & Falk, 1984).
Distribution
The species has a Palearctic distribution, occurring throughout much of Europe, including the British Isles, central and northern Europe, and extending eastward into parts of Russia. It is most common in temperate zones and is not recorded from the Mediterranean islands or far‑northern Scandinavia.
Habitat
Melangyna umbellatarum inhabits deciduous woodlands, forest edges, hedgerows, and gardens. It is frequently observed visiting flowering umbellifers (Apiaceae) such as Heracleum and Coriandrum species, but will also feed on a range of other nectar and pollen sources.
Biology and Ecology
- Adult diet: Primarily nectar and pollen; adults are important pollinators of many flowering plants, especially those with open, compound umbels.
- Larval diet: The larvae are aphidophagous, preying on aphids found on a variety of herbaceous plants. This predatory habit contributes to natural pest control in agricultural and garden settings.
- Flight period: Adults are typically on the wing from May through September, with peak abundance in midsummer.
- Reproduction: Females oviposit on aphid‑infested host plants; larvae develop through several instars before pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Conservation status
The species is currently not listed on any major threatened‑species red lists and is considered relatively widespread and stable within its range. No specific conservation measures are documented, although preservation of mixed woodlands and hedgerow habitats supports its populations.
References (selected)
- Stubbs, A. E., & Falk, S. J. (1984). British Hoverflies: An Illustrated Identification Guide. British Entomological and Natural History Society.
- Speight, M. C. D. (2011). Syrph the Net: The Database of European Syrphidae. https://syrphidae.net/
- Van Veen, M. (2004). Hoverflies of Northwest Europe, Identification Keys to the Syrphidae. KNNV Publishing.
All information is drawn from established entomological literature and reputable taxonomic databases.
