Bog Hoverfly Project

This small and stout looking pollinator can be identified from other hoverfly species by its bright orange legs and two red triangular spots on either side of its abdomen. Very little is known about this species – its larvae have never been seen! No thorough surveys for the Bog Hoverfly have been carried out for many years and this lack of information on its distribution and ecology make targeted conservation efforts difficult.

The Bog Hoverfly is thought to be declining due to loss of habitat and degradation of peatlands through human activity. There is an urgent need to better understand this beautiful but mysterious species so that we can better protect it for generations to come.

What will this project do?

Though this project we hope to:

• Better understand the habitats where the Bog Hoverfly is present.
• Carry out targeted surveys to discover Bog Hoverfly larvae, which will help us to better understand the ecology of the species.
• Work with partners to support the development of eDNA analysis if larvae are discovered.

The Bog Hoverfly is currently only known from a handful of sites across Dartmoor. We hope to survey both known areas and areas that could be suitable for the hoverfly to better understand its distribution. We will also look to quantify habitat characteristics of sites where the Bog Hoverfly is present to better understand its ecology.

If larvae are found over the course of this project, they can be studied to inform eDNA (environmental DNA) analysis. This is DNA that is shed by an animal into air, water, or other habitats. It can be used to determine if a species is present in an area without needing to have observed it. Discovering Bog Hoverfly larvae and working with partners to help improve eDNA sampling would drastically benefit future work on this rare and elusive hoverfly.

How can you get involved?

We encourage people to record any sightings you think may have been a Bog Hoverfly with the Hoverfly Recording Scheme and iRecord.

Consider supporting Buglife’s work and help us continue to save the small things that run the planet!

You might also like to find out about our other species recovery projects.

Please contact Species Recovery Conservation Officer, Laura Krusin, [email protected], for more information.