Blera confusa

Johnson, 1913

Confusing Wood Fly

Blera confusa, commonly known as the Confusing Wood Fly, is a syrphid fly first described by Johnson in 1913. are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in exuding sap or rot holes of trees. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America.

Blera confusa by psweet. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Blera confusa: //ˈblɛ.ra kənˈfu.sa//

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Identification

Distinguished from similar syrphid flies by the combination of: yellow with distinct black facial stripe beneath antennal process; greenish black shining with yellowish pile; abdominal pattern with large yellow triangles on second segment that are continuous with smaller triangles on third segment; and yellow . The female's reduced yellow markings on the third abdominal segment provide additional diagnostic characters.

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Habitat

Associated with woodland environments where larval development occurs in exuding sap or rot holes of trees. frequent flowers in and near wooded areas.

Distribution

Nearctic widely distributed in eastern and central North America. Documented from Vermont and other eastern and central US states.

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, a characteristic form in the Eristalinae where the respiratory siphon is elongated. Larval development occurs in exuding sap or in rot holes of trees. Specific details of and timing are not documented.

Behavior

are commonly observed around and on flowers, where they obtain energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. Like other hoverflies, adults are capable of remaining nearly motionless while in .

Ecological Role

contribute to pollination through flower visitation. Larvae participate in decomposition processes in their sap and rot hole .

Human Relevance

No documented direct interactions with humans. Like other syrphid flies, may be mistaken for bees or due to their coloration and , but they are harmless and do not sting.

Similar Taxa

  • Blera fallaxSimilar and general appearance; B. fallax is a European subject to conservation efforts in Scotland, whereas B. confusa is North American
  • Other Blera speciesShare -level characteristics including rat-tailed larvae and general body plan; specific abdominal pattern and facial markings distinguish B. confusa

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Sources and further reading