About High-altitude Hover Fly
A small hover fly with flattened front legs, found in alpine and arctic habitats. It is an important pollinator of mountain wildflowers.
Did You Know?
Its flattened front tarsi are thought to help scrape pollen from flowers.
How to Identify High-altitude Hover Fly
High-altitude Hover Fly (Platycheirus alpinus) belongs to the order Diptera, family Syrphidae. Adults typically measure 6-9 mm body length.
High-altitude Hover Fly Habitat
High-altitude Hover Fly is found in meadows habitats, particularly across Northern Europe, Alps, Arctic. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
High-altitude Hover Fly Diet and Feeding
High-altitude Hover Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is High-altitude Hover Fly Found?
High-altitude Hover Fly can be found in Northern Europe, Alps, Arctic, where it inhabits meadows environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where High-altitude Hover Fly can be found
Is High-altitude Hover Fly Dangerous?
High-altitude Hover 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.
High-altitude Hover Fly Role in Nature
High-altitude Hover Fly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About High-altitude Hover Fly
What does High-altitude Hover Fly look like?
The High-altitude Hover Fly typically measures 6-9 mm body length.
Where is High-altitude Hover Fly found?
The High-altitude Hover Fly is found in Northern Europe, Alps, Arctic and typically inhabits meadows environments.
What does High-altitude Hover Fly eat?
The High-altitude Hover Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is High-altitude Hover Fly dangerous to humans?
The High-altitude Hover Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about High-altitude Hover Fly?
Its flattened front tarsi are thought to help scrape pollen from flowers.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). High-altitude Hover Fly (Platycheirus alpinus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/high-altitude-hover-fly
MLA:
"High-altitude Hover Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/high-altitude-hover-fly.