Xanthogramma

Schiner, 1860

Harlequin Flies

Species Guides

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Xanthogramma is a of medium-sized hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as harlequin flies. Most exhibit black and yellow coloration with somewhat -like appearance. Larvae are aphidophagous , feeding on in agricultural and natural . visit flowers but do not share the predatory habits of larvae. The genus occurs across the Palaearctic region including Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Xanthogramma divisa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Xanthogramma divisa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Xanthogramma divisa by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xanthogramma: /ˌzænθəˈɡræmə/

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Images

Habitat

Agricultural areas with cultivated plants infested by aphids; found on flowers or hovering among vegetation. Larvae associated with nests where root prey occur.

Distribution

Palaearctic region: Europe, Asia, and North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, India including Delhi, Meerut, Saharanpur, Bulandshahr, Agra, and Gujarat). Records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Seasonality

active from May to June (documented for X. africana); broader seasonal patterns for not established.

Diet

Larvae feed on aphids: documented prey includes Aphis persicae on peach, Lipaphis erysimi on cabbage, and Toxoptera graminum on wheat. Root aphids are suspected prey for larvae in nests. do not feed on aphids.

Life Cycle

Larval stage rarely observed and poorly understood; specific developmental stages not documented.

Behavior

Larvae are predatory; hover among vegetation and visit flowers. One of the most common in agricultural regions of northern India.

Ecological Role

agent of pests in agricultural ; pollination services by flower visitation.

Human Relevance

Used in of pests on crops including peach, cabbage, and wheat.

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Sources and further reading