Blera armillata
(Osten Sacken, 1875)
Orange-faced Wood Fly
Blera armillata is an uncommon syrphid hoverfly first described by Osten Sacken in 1875. are known as flower flies and visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The is distinguished from by its entirely black , pale , and black gena with a yellow . The rat-tailed larvae develop in exuding sap or rot holes of trees.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Blera armillata: /ˈblɛ.ra ɑr.mɪˈla.ta/
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Identification
The combination of entirely black , pale greenish-bronze , and black gena with honey-yellow distinguishes Blera armillata from most other Blera . The yellow-tinged basal two-thirds of the wing and yellow are additional diagnostic features. The black spot on the gena and yellow pile tufts at the abdominal base are consistent field marks.
Habitat
Associated with woodland environments where larval development occurs in exuding sap or rot holes of trees.
Distribution
Widely distributed in North America.
Diet
feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Larvae feed on exuding sap or in rot holes of trees.
Life Cycle
Larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in exuding sap or rot holes of trees. Specific details of and are not documented.
Behavior
hover in , a characteristic of syrphid flies. Commonly found around and on flowers.
Ecological Role
contribute to pollination through flower visitation. Larval feeding in tree sap and rot holes may contribute to nutrient cycling in woodland .
Similar Taxa
- Other Blera speciesBlera armillata is distinguished by its entirely black combined with pale and black gena; often show different abdominal color patterns or genal coloration.
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described as Criorrhina armillata by Osten Sacken in 1875; later transferred to Blera.
Conservation status
Described as uncommon; no formal conservation assessment documented.