Transverse Flower Fly
Eristalis transversa
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Family: Syrphidae
- Subfamily: Eristalinae
- Tribe: Eristalini
- Subtribe: Eristalina
- Genus: Eristalis
- Species: transversa
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eristalis transversa: /ɛrɪˈstalɪs trænˈsvɜrsə/
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Summary
Eristalis transversa, the transverse banded drone fly, is a common syrphid fly known for its ability to remain motionless in flight and its presence around flowers. This species was first described by Wiedemann in 1830 and is recognized by its distinctive bicolored thorax and yellow scutellum.
Physical Characteristics
Size: 9-11 mm; Thorax bicolored (gray on front half, black on rear half); Scutellum bright yellow; Abdomen with distinct yellow and black markings; Wings hyaline, with notable veination.
Identification Tips
Distinct bicolored thorax and bright yellow scutellum are diagnostic features for Eristalis transversa.
Habitat
Found around flowers and various environments where food sources are plentiful.
Distribution
Reported from North America east of the Mississippi River and into Southeastern Canada.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.
Life Cycle
Lays eggs in environments with plentiful food sources; some larvae feed on beetle eggs.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid into various environments where food sources are abundant; larvae are rat-tailed type, although specific larvae characteristics are not reported.
Ecosystem Role
Pollinators, contributing to plant reproduction by visiting flowers.
Tags
- Eristalis
- Syrphidae
- hoverfly
- pollinator
- North America
- new species description