Sericomyia chalcopyga
Loew, 1863
Sericomyia chalcopyga is a of () in the Syrphidae. As a member of the tribe Sericomyiini, its are "rat-tailed " with extensible breathing adapted to aquatic environments. The species was described by Loew in 1863. Like other Sericomyia species, are that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sericomyia chalcopyga: /ˌsɛrɪkoʊˈmaɪə kælkəˈpaɪɡə/
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Images
Habitat
of Sericomyia live mostly in bog mat pools, according to observations of the . visit flowers in grassland and other with floral resources.
Life Cycle
are aquatic "rat-tailed " with extensible into a breathing that maintains contact with the water surface. The larva filters bacteria and microbes from matter in the water. Upon maturity, the larva seeks dry land to pupate. The pupal capsule is hard and resembles a tiny mouse in shape.
Ecological Role
function as , visiting wildflowers for nectar and pollen. contribute to in aquatic environments through their filter-feeding on matter.
Human Relevance
provide services to wildflowers and potentially cultivated plants. may occur in water gardens and container gardens, where they can be mistaken for mosquito larvae or other aquatic larvae.
Similar Taxa
- Sericomyia silentisBoth are Sericomyia with similar rat-tailed and ; distinguished by specific coloration and pattern differences not detailed in available sources
- Eristalis tenaxShares rat-tailed larval form and aquatic , but belongs to different tribe (Eristalini); Eristalis have notably longer breathing than Sericomyia