Scaeva affinis

Say, 1823

White-bowed Smoothwing

Scaeva affinis is a hoverfly native to western North America and the only Scaeva species regularly encountered in the . The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823 from Arkansas specimens. It is believed to be migratory and is common in the western United States but rare in the east. The larval stage is a voracious of aphids.

Scaeva affinis by (c) Michael Warner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Warner. Used under a CC-BY license.

Scaeva affinis by (c) Rob Foster, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rob Foster. Used under a CC-BY license.

Scaeva affinis by Jengod. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scaeva affinis: /ˈsiːvə əˈfɪnɪs/

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

Identification

This is the only Scaeva likely to be encountered in the , making it distinguishable from other Scaeva species which are primarily Palearctic. The species was historically confused with Scaeva pyrastri but has been determined to be distinct.

Images

Distribution

Western North America. Common in the western United States, rare in the eastern United States. The is believed to be migratory.

Diet

Larvae feed voraciously on aphids.

Behavior

Believed to be migratory.

Ecological Role

Larval contributes to of aphid .

Similar Taxa

Scaeva pyrastriHistorically combined with and then split from S. affinis; distinguished by geographic distribution (S. pyrastri is primarily Palearctic)

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described by Thomas Say in 1823 as ' black with three yellow lunules on each side...inhabits Arkansa.' Later combined with Scaeva pyrastri, then determined to be a distinct and split back off.