Sericomyia harveyi

(Osburn, 1908)

Harvey's Pond Fly

Sericomyia harveyi is a in the , Eristalinae. The Sericomyia is part of the tribe Milesiini and is characterized by that inhabit bog mat pools and other wetland . are that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species was described by Osburn in 1908.

Sericomyia harveyi wing by RAYMOND C. OSBURN. Used under a Public domain license.

Sericomyia harveyi male by RAYMOND C. OSBURN. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sericomyia harveyi: /ˌsɛrɪkoʊˈmaɪə ˈhɑrvi.aɪ/

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Identification

Members of the Sericomyia can be distinguished from other genera by their overall and larval preferences. Within the genus, -level identification requires examination of specific morphological characters. typically have a body form characteristic of the tribe Milesiini. possess the distinctive rat-tailed form with an extensible for breathing, though the siphon length in Sericomyia is shorter than in the related genus Eristalis.

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Habitat

inhabit bog mat pools and other wetland environments with saturated substrates. The specific epithet 'harveyi' and 'Harvey's Pond ' suggest association with pond . are found in areas near larval development sites where flowering vegetation is present.

Diet

filter bacteria and other microbes from matter in water. feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.

Life Cycle

are laid in or near water. are aquatic, living in bog mat pools with an extensible that connects to the water surface for respiration. Mature larvae seek dry land to pupate; the pupal capsule is hard and mouse-shaped. emerge from and are capable of .

Behavior

remain connected to the water surface at all times via their breathing while filtering material. are flower visitors and .

Ecological Role

contribute to in wetland through their filter-feeding activity on matter. serve as of wildflowers and other flowering plants.

Human Relevance

are that may contribute to of wildflowers and potentially plants. The presence of in water gardens and ponds can indicate healthy wetland conditions, though they may be affected by mosquito control measures such as .

Similar Taxa

Eristalis spp.Also have rat-tailed , but Eristalis larvae possess much longer and typically inhabit putrid, -rich standing water in more urban and suburban settings rather than bog mat pools.
Chrysogaster spp.Have rat-tailed with short , but are found along pond edges and among emergent vegetation rather than bog mat pools.
Mallota spp.Have rat-tailed that inhabit water collected in tree holes, a distinct microhabitat from the bog pools used by Sericomyia.

More Details

Taxonomic placement

Sericomyia harveyi is placed in the subtribe Sericomyiina within the tribe Milesiini. The Sericomyia is one of several genera in the with rat-tailed , a convergent to low-oxygen aquatic environments.

Larval morphology

Like other members of the tribe Milesiini, Sericomyia possess leg-like knobs along the body and the distinctive extensible breathing . The siphon length is intermediate between the very long siphons of Eristalis and the short siphons of Chrysogaster.