Mallota illinoensis

Robertson, 1901

Midwestern Bee-mimic Fly

Mallota illinoensis is a syrphid fly ( Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini, described by Robertson in 1901 from Illinois. The is a mimic, with resembling bees in size, coloration, and . Larvae develop in tree holes, where they inhabit water-collecting 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 (type 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 siteLarvae inhabit water-collecting cavities in decaying trees, similar to other Mallota

Life Cycle

Complete 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 . Larvae contribute to nutrient cycling in aquatic microhabitats within rotting wood.

Similar Taxa

Mallota posticataSimilar -mimic appearance and shared ; both have larvae in tree holes, but M. posticata has more eastern distribution
Eristalis tenax (Drone Fly)Both in Eristalinae with aquatic larval , but E. tenax larvae 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 fly identified from the Illinois Natural History Survey collection digitization project, which revealed range expansions, contractions, and species of potential conservation significance in the state.