| Chrysogaster solstitialis (Fallén, 1817) |
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Scientific name: Chrysogaster solstitialis (Fallén, 1817) Common name: French name: Chrysogastre estivale Order: Diptera Family: Syrphidae Wingspan : 6 to 8.5 mm. Biotope: Damp forests, damp meadows, road sides, next to water. Geographic area: Europe east to the Caucasus, North Africa. Observation period : May to September with a peak in July-August. |
Chrysogaster solstitialis is a small hoverfly which is rather often observed in summer on umbellifers bordering damp places. It shows very large bright red eyes and dark wings held one over the other above the abdomen. The thorax and the abdomen are black without any markings. The female's thorax can show a purple sheen. Males' eyes are touching on the upper side. Those of females are separated by a black band which bears 7 to 9 transverse striations. The larvae grow in the mud in ponds or streams. |
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The touching eyes on the upper side indicate one male. |
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It is important to verify the lack of markings on the thorax and on the abdomen as there is a confusion risk with many other species. |
André Bon June 2016