Milesiini

Xylotini

Family Guides

Milesiini is a large, diverse tribe of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the Eristalinae. frequently exhibit mimicry of or . The tribe encompasses numerous including Milesia, Xylota, Syritta, Chalcosyrphus, Blera, and Criorhina. Many are saproxylic, with larvae developing in decaying wood or under bark.

Xylota by (c) Tina Ellegaard Poulsen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tina Ellegaard Poulsen. Used under a CC-BY license.

Milesia by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Spilomyia longicornis by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Milesiini: //ˌmaɪlɛˈsiiːnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Deciduous and coniferous forests, forest edges, clearings, wetlands, and anthropogenic environments including parks and gardens. Many are saproxylic, associated with decaying wood, tree hollows, and subcortical .

Distribution

Ukraine (documented with new records); broader Palearctic distribution for included . Global distribution encompasses temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Diet

feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae of many are saprophagous, consuming decaying wood, sap flows, or decaying organic matter in tree hollows.

Life Cycle

Larvae develop in decaying wood, under bark, in tree hollows, or in decaying organic matter; saproxylic development is common throughout the tribe.

Behavior

exhibit or mimicry. Adults frequently visit flowers. Some are associated with fungal fruiting bodies.

Ecological Role

function as . Larvae serve as decomposers; saproxylic contribute to wood decomposition and nutrient cycling in forest .