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.

9-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RUEPPELL'S GLOBETAIL (Sphaerophoria rueppellii)

Sphaerophoria rueppellii is a highly effective, native Mediterranean hoverfly used as a commercial biocontrol agent against aphid pests. Known as the common globetail, these predatory larvae consume aphids, thrips, and whiteflies, while adults are crucial pollinators. They are favored for greenhouse IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and sustainable agriculture.

Key Biological and Functional Facts:

Appearance: A small, slender hoverfly with a characteristic bulbous abdomen in males, which often has yellow-black markings resembling a wasp

.Biological Control: Larvae are voracious predators that feed on numerous aphid species, plus thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites.Optimal Conditions: They thrive in warm climates (active up to 30°C).Life Cycle: At \(25^{\circ}C\) and \(90\%\) relative humidity, their development from egg to adult takes approximately 17 days.

Habitat: Commonly found in open, sparse vegetation such as field edges, marshes, and agricultural crops, particularly in Southern Europe and North Africa.

Adult Diet: Adults feed on nectar and pollen, which is necessary for the maturation of their ovaries.Flight Period: Generally active from April to October.

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.