About Arctic Flower Fly
A small hover fly with a dark body and distinctive pale facial markings. It is an important pollinator of Arctic wildflowers. Larvae are predatory on aphids in tundra vegetation.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is one of the most important pollinators in the High Arctic where bees are scarce or absent.
How to Identify Arctic Flower Fly
Arctic Flower Fly (Platycheirus melanopsis) belongs to the order Diptera, family Syrphidae. Adults typically measure 5-8 mm.
Arctic Flower Fly Habitat
Arctic Flower Fly is found in meadows habitats, particularly across Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Arctic Flower Fly Diet and Feeding
Arctic Flower Fly is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Arctic Flower Fly Found?
Arctic Flower Fly can be found in Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia, where it inhabits meadows environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Arctic Flower Fly can be found
Is Arctic Flower Fly Dangerous?
Arctic Flower Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Arctic Flower Fly Role in Nature
Arctic Flower Fly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Arctic Flower Fly
What does Arctic Flower Fly look like?
The Arctic Flower Fly typically measures 5-8 mm.
Where is Arctic Flower Fly found?
The Arctic Flower Fly is found in Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia and typically inhabits meadows environments.
What does Arctic Flower Fly eat?
The Arctic Flower Fly feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Arctic Flower Fly dangerous to humans?
The Arctic Flower Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Arctic Flower Fly?
This hover fly is one of the most important pollinators in the High Arctic where bees are scarce or absent.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Arctic Flower Fly (Platycheirus melanopsis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-flower-fly
MLA:
"Arctic Flower Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-flower-fly.