Helophilina
Becker, 1922
rat-tail maggot flies
Genus Guides
9- Anasimyia(swamp flies)
- Arctosyrphus
- Asemosyrphus(Sicklelegs)
- Eurimyia(rat-tail maggot flies)
- Helophilus(Marsh Flies)
- Mallota(Mimic Flies)
- Myathropa
- Parhelophilus(Bog Flies)
- Polydontomyia(dimorphic sickleleg)
Helophilina is a subtribe of hoverflies within the Syrphidae, commonly referred to as rat-tail maggot flies. The subtribe encompasses approximately 19 and over 180 described . Members are classified within the Eristalinae and tribe Eristalini. The derives from the aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stage, which possesses a long, telescopic breathing siphon resembling a rat's tail.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Helophilina: //ˌhɛloʊfaɪˈlaɪnə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Distribution
Distribution records exist for the United States, including Vermont.
Life Cycle
Larvae are aquatic or semi-aquatic and possess a characteristic long, telescopic breathing siphon that extends to the water surface for respiration.
Ecological Role
Larvae contribute to nutrient cycling in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments through their detritivorous feeding habits.
Human Relevance
Rat-tail maggot larvae are occasionally found in polluted or nutrient-rich aquatic environments, including artificial containers, and may serve as bioindicators of water quality.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
GBIF lists Helophilina as a doubtful , while Catalogue of Life and other sources recognize it as an accepted subtribe. This discrepancy reflects historical taxonomic uncertainty in hoverfly classification.
iNaturalist Observations
The subtribe has accumulated over 112,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating substantial citizen science engagement with this group.