Helophilus obscurus

Loew, 1863

obscure marsh fly

Helophilus obscurus is a syrphid fly commonly found across Canada, the northern United States, and the Rocky Mountains. are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The is part of the marsh fly Helophilus, though the larval of this specific species remains undocumented. It is one of several North American Helophilus species that exhibit yellowjacket mimicry.

Helophilus obscurus 1 by Jimmy Dee. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Helophilus obscurus 2 by Chloe and Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Helophilus obscurus: //hɛˈlɒfɪləs əbˈskjʊərəs//

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Identification

Distinguished from by: with black stripe reaching nearly to ; male with three pairs of oval yellow spots (first pair large and somewhat triangular, last pair slightly lunulate); female abdomen with four pairs of transverse yellow spots, those on third segment reaching sides only in front; pollinose bands on fourth segment more oval and scarcely concave in front. Vertical yellow thoracic stripes help separate Helophilus from other syrphid .

Images

Distribution

Canada; northern United States; Rocky Mountains.

Ecological Role

are , visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. As a yellowjacket mimic, likely provides in the .

Human Relevance

contribute to pollination of wildflowers. Potential for wetland and meadow .

Similar Taxa

  • Helophilus fasciatusSimilar size and general appearance; distinguished by abdominal pattern and facial markings
  • Helophilus pendulusOverlapping range and ; European sometimes referenced in comparison
  • Vespula yellowjacketsMimicry model; distinguished by two pairs of wings, longer , and different

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Sources and further reading