Eristalini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eristalini: /ˌɛrɪˈstælɪnaɪ/

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Summary

Eristalini is a tribe of hoverflies known for their bee-mimicking abilities and distinct larval breathing adaptations, primarily living in organic-rich water.

Physical Characteristics

Moderate to large hoverflies resembling bees or bumblebees, often with complete longitudinal stripes on the thorax.

Identification Tips

Helophilus species display a broadly darkened area at the wing margin near the middle of the wing, while Parhelophilus or Lejops have a narrow crossvein-like dark spot.

Habitat

Larvae live in organic-rich water, breeding in decaying organic materials such as dung heaps or in ponds and ditches.

Diet

Larvae feed in organic-rich water environments; adult hoverflies typically feed on nectar and pollen.

Life Cycle

Breeding occurs in decaying organic materials and wet habitats pre-flooding.

Predators

Visual predators such as birds, which are avoided through mimicry of bees and wasps.

Ecosystem Role

Hoverflies serve as pollinators and their larvae contribute to the decomposition of organic matter in aquatic ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

• Field collection in proximity to aquatic environments
• Light traps

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinned specimens
• Slide mounts for larvae

Evolution

Evolutionary adaptations include mimicry of bees and wasps to mitigate predation risks.

Similar Taxa

• Sericomyiini

Misconceptions

Some hoverflies are commonly mistaken for wasps due to their coloration and morphology, despite being harmless.

Tags

• hoverflies
• Eristalini
• pollinators
• mimicry
• Aquatic larvae