Helophilus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Subfamily: Eristalinae
Tribe: Eristalini
Subtribe: Helophilina
Genus: Helophilus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Helophilus: //hɛˈlɒfɪləs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Helophilus conostomus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Helophilus bilinearis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Helophilus modestus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Helophilus distinctus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Helophilus is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, comprising nine species in the region. Notable for its diversity in northern Canada and endemic species like Helophilus antipodus in New Zealand, which is a crucial pollinator.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are 10-15 mm in length, with a lengthwise-striped thorax and a transverse-striped abdomen. Male eyes are not holoptic. Front tibia is yellow with a black ring at the end, hind femur is all black, and the wing-viens are black and slightly infusecate.

Identification Tips

Key identification characteristics include: tergites 3 and 4 with thin greyish bands in some species; black facial stripe widening towards mouth edge; distinctive markings on tergite 2 depending on species. Detailed comparison with similar species like Helophilus montanus and Helophilus seelandicus can help in identification.

Habitat

Larvae feed on submerged plant litter in water bodies.

Distribution

Widespread, more speciose in northern Canada; Helophilus antipodus is observed throughout New Zealand, including subantarctic islands (Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands).

Diet

Adults are pollinators; larvae feed on submerged plant litter.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators of various plants, including endemic orchids like Dendrobium cunninghamii.