Mallota illinoensis

Robertson, 1901

Midwestern Bee-mimic Fly

Mallota illinoensis is a ( Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini, described by Robertson in 1901 from Illinois. The is a mimic, with resembling in size, coloration, and . develop in tree holes, where they inhabit water- cavities in rotting wood. The species is part of a whose members are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mallota illinoensis: //məˈloʊtə ˌɪlɪˈnoʊˌɛnsɪs//

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Habitat

Larval consists of water-filled tree holes in rotting wood. are found in woodland edges and areas with flowering vegetation.

Distribution

Known from Illinois ( locality) and surrounding midwestern United States. iNaturalist records indicate observations primarily from the central United States.

Host Associations

tree holes (water-filled cavities in rotting wood) - larval development site inhabit water- cavities in decaying trees, similar to other Mallota

Life Cycle

with aquatic/semi-aquatic larval stage in tree holes, in dry locations, and free-living stage.

Behavior

are mimics, exhibiting -like appearance and . Adults have been observed on leaves.

Ecological Role

serve as . contribute to in aquatic microhabitats within rotting wood.

Similar Taxa

Mallota posticataSimilar -mimic appearance and shared ; both have in tree holes, but M. posticata has more eastern distribution
Eristalis tenax (Drone Fly)Both in Eristalinae with aquatic larval , but E. tenax are in putrid standing water rather than tree holes, and are mimics rather than mimics

More Details

Conservation relevance

Mallota illinoensis was among the hover identified from the Illinois Survey collection digitization project, which revealed range expansions, contractions, and species of potential significance in the state.