Syrphus knabi
Shannon, 1916
Eastern Flower Fly
Syrphus knabi is an uncommon of found in eastern North America. are -sized hover flies, 7.2–12.9 mm in length, with distinctive and black banded and sexually coloration. The species is a known in its larval stage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Syrphus knabi: //ˈsɪrfəs ˈknɑːbaɪ//
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Syrphus by abdominal banding pattern: second broken centrally and extending onto first segment laterally, versus continuous bands in some . Male and specific coloration ( with spots) separate from females and other species. Hind yellow with half mostly brownish and black hairs anteriorly; hind darkened on outer side of apical half with black . First of hind leg mostly or entirely orange above.
Images
Habitat
Associated with flowering vegetation where feed on nectar and pollen. Larval in trees where colonies occur.
Distribution
Eastern United States and Canada. Specific records include Vermont.
Diet
feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. are of in trees.
Life Cycle
with , three larval , , and stages. Female lays eggs in or near colonies. through three instars before pupating; pupa is convex and pear-shaped, attached to leaf, stem, or other substrate.
Behavior
exhibit hovering typical of .
Ecological Role
function as agents of in trees. serve as while feeding on nectar and pollen.
Human Relevance
in gardens and agricultural settings due to larval on . are . Often mistaken for or due to .
Similar Taxa
- Syrphus opinatorSimilar size, coloration, and abdominal banding; distinguished by range and subtle morphological differences in continuity and leg coloration
- Other Syrphus speciesShare -and-black banded pattern; S. knabi distinguished by specific shape on second abdominal and hind leg coloration