Aphidophagous
Guides
Dasysyrphus
Dasysyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is relatively straightforward to identify, though species-level differentiation requires careful examination and should not rely solely on images. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive morphological features including hairy eyes and microtrichose wings. Larvae are primarily arboreal, feeding nocturnally on aphids and other small Hemiptera.
Hyperaspidini
Hyperaspidini is a tribe of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1846, currently classified within subfamily Coccinellinae. The tribe contains approximately 16 genera, though generic boundaries remain fluid with some authorities treating Brachiacanthini and Selvadiini as synonyms. Species in this tribe are predominantly small, often inconspicuous lady beetles with documented predatory habits on mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) and aphids (Aphididae).
Lapposyrphus aberrantis
Western Loopwing Aphideater
Lapposyrphus aberrantis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Charles Howard Curran in 1925. It is commonly known as the Western Loopwing Aphideater. The genus Lapposyrphus comprises aphidophagous hoverflies, and this species follows the general ecological pattern of the group. Observations are relatively sparse, with 54 records on iNaturalist.
Pipiza
Pitheads
Pipiza is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) containing approximately 12 European species. Adults are predominantly dark-colored and resemble small bees or wasps. The genus is notable for its specialized larval ecology: larvae are predaceous, feeding exclusively on gall-forming aphids on foliage. Species show strong association with forested landscapes, particularly deciduous forests and forest edges. Climate modeling indicates high distributional stability across Europe, with potential northward shifts in species diversity.
Scaeva
Scaeva is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately seven described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision alongside related genera Simosyrphus and Ischiodon. Adults are pollinators, while larvae are predominantly aphidophagous predators. Scaeva pyrastri has been extensively studied for its biological control potential against agricultural aphid pests.