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Figwort cheilosia

Figwort cheilosia

Cheilosia variabilis

A species of Hoverfly

Figwort cheilosia, a flower visitor, plays a mimicry game with its yellow and black striping resembling stinging insects to deter predators. It primarily feeds on pollen and nectar, particularly favouring yellow composites during adulthood, while its larvae develop within the stems and roots of various herbaceous plants.

General Info About Figwort cheilosia
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Attributes of Figwort cheilosia
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Figwort cheilosia is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Figwort cheilosia
This species is native to the Palearctic realm, present in most of Europe eastwards to western Siberia, in the Near East, and in North Africa.
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Life Cycle of Figwort cheilosia
Egg The egg stage marks the beginning of the figwort cheilosia's life cycle. The eggs are usually small, and their color and shape can vary but are often laid in clusters or lines to protect them from predators.
Larva The larva of the figwort cheilosia is worm-like, lacking true legs and eyes. Its main function is to consume food and grow, which it does by shedding its exoskeleton several times during this stage.
Pupal During the pupal stage, the figwort cheilosia is immobile and encapsulated within a pupa. It undergoes a dramatic transformation, with its tissues and organs reorganizing to form the adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult figwort cheilosia's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Figwort cheilosia Larvae
Rodents, birds, lizards, insectivorous insects
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Predators of Adult Figwort cheilosia
Birds, spiders, frogs, lizards, insectivorous mammals
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Scientific Classification of Figwort cheilosia
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Figwort cheilosia
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Youth Habitat of Figwort cheilosia
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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Habitat Preferences of Figwort cheilosia Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of figwort cheilosia are typically laid on the leaves of the host plants, often near aphid colonies. Upon hatching, larvae usually burrow into the ground or reside in leaf litter where they feed on decaying organic matter or root aphrodisiacs, hence garden soil or compost piles are ideal to search. Pupal stages are most often found in the same areas as larvae, or slightly deeper in the soil to ensure protection during metamorphosis. Adults are most commonly observed hovering or feeding on nectar from flowers in various habitats, including meadows, garden areas, and sometimes near wooded edges, which makes gardens or meadows with flowering plants the best location to observe them.
Are Figwort cheilosia harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Figwort cheilosia
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Figwort cheilosia is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While feeding on nectar and pollen, figwort cheilosia inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in plant pollination. This process is crucial for the reproduction of many plant species.
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