Sericomyia chalcopyga
Loew, 1863
Sericomyia chalcopyga is a of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in the Syrphidae. As a member of the tribe Sericomyiini, its larvae are "rat-tailed maggots" with extensible breathing siphons 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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Habitat
Larvae of Sericomyia live mostly in bog mat pools, according to observations of the . visit flowers in grassland and other with floral resources.
Life Cycle
Larvae are aquatic "rat-tailed maggots" with extensible into a breathing siphon that maintains contact with the water surface. The larva filters bacteria and microbes from organic 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. Larvae contribute to nutrient cycling in aquatic environments through their filter-feeding on organic matter.
Human Relevance
provide pollination services to wildflowers and potentially cultivated plants. Larvae may occur in water gardens and container gardens, where they can be mistaken for mosquito larvae or other aquatic insect larvae.
Similar Taxa
- Sericomyia silentisBoth are Sericomyia with similar rat-tailed maggot larvae and hoverfly ; distinguished by specific coloration and pattern differences not detailed in available sources
- Eristalis tenaxShares rat-tailed maggot larval form and aquatic , but belongs to different tribe (Eristalini); Eristalis larvae have notably longer breathing siphons than Sericomyia