22-6-2025 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBAFERA - RUEPPELL'S GLOBETAIL (Sphaerophoria rueppellii)

Sphaerophoria rueppellii is a European species of hoverfly. Larvae are predators of aphids, and the species has been commercialized for biological pest control of aphids. The larvae go through three instars.

Sphaerophoria rueppellii is a native hoverfly that preys on aphids and can withstand the extreme temperature conditions typical of European  climate. Ideal for controlling aphid and psyllid pests in both horticultural crops and landscaped green areas. This auxiliary insect is essential in pepper and strawberry crops. It is also one of the most interesting species to include in biological conservation control programs in hedgerows and public parks and gardens. Studying its life cycle is easy and educational.

12-5-2019 POTRIES, VALENCIA - RUEPPELL'S GLOBETAIL (Sphaerophoria rueppellii)

Sphaerophoria rueppellii is a European species of hoverfly. Larvae are predators of aphids, and the species has been commercialized for biological pest control of aphids. The larvae go through three instars.

A rather distinct short-bodied Sphaerophoria due to the bulbous abdomen of the male (broadest at the tip), the oblique/curved bands and spots on the tergites, and the truncated nature of the yellow stripe on the shoulder which does not extend rearwards above the wingbases as in other Sphaerophoria species (except S. loewi). The male genitalia is also very distinct.

Flight period is from April to October.