Helophilus obscurus

Loew, 1863

obscure marsh fly

Helophilus obscurus is a 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 Helophilus, though the larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented. It is one of several North Helophilus species that exhibit yellowjacket .

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//

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

Identification

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

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 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 yellowjackets model; distinguished by two pairs of , longer , and different

Tags

Sources and further reading