Eristalinae
Guides
Callicerini
Callicerini is a small tribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) within the subfamily Eristalinae. It contains two genera: Callicera and Notiocheilosia. Members of this tribe are characterized by distinctive morphological features, particularly in the antennae and facial structure. The tribe was established by Camillo Rondani in 1856.
Chalcosyrphus
Leafwalkers
Chalcosyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, commonly known as leafwalkers. Species are notable for mimicking sawflies and other hymenopterans, often displaying bright or metallic coloration. Adults are structurally and behaviorally similar to the related genus Xylota but differ in larval morphology. The genus occurs across Europe, Asia, and North America, with larvae being saproxylic feeders in rotten wood.
Chrysogaster
Low-horned Wrinkleheads
Chrysogaster is a genus of small hoverflies in the subfamily Eristalinae. Adults are dark or black with shiny colorful reflections and visit flowers in damp marshy areas. The aquatic larvae possess a short posterior breathing siphon, shorter than that of related genera such as Eristalis. Several related genera—Melanogaster, Orthonevra, Lejogaster, and Riponnensia—were formerly classified within Chrysogaster.
Chrysosyrphus frontosus
Chrysosyrphus frontosus is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Eristalinae, and tribe Brachyopini. The species was described by Bigot in 1884. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized syrphid flies. Published information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Ferdinandea buccata
Common Copperback
Ferdinandea buccata is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Common Copperback. The species was first described by Loew in 1863 under the basionym Chrysochlamys buccata. As a member of the tribe Rhingiini within the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies often associated with particular larval habitat preferences. Adult hoverflies in this genus are typically found in wooded or semi-open habitats where they visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Helophilina
rat-tail maggot flies
Helophilina is a subtribe of hoverflies within the family Syrphidae, commonly referred to as rat-tail maggot flies. The subtribe encompasses approximately 19 genera and over 180 described species. Members are classified within the subfamily Eristalinae and tribe Eristalini. The common name derives from the aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stage, which possesses a long, telescopic breathing siphon resembling a rat's tail.
Helophilus intentus
Yellow-legged Marsh Fly
Helophilus intentus is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) in the family Syrphidae. It belongs to the genus Helophilus, whose members are commonly known as marsh flies due to their association with aquatic habitats. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen.
Nausigaster geminata
Armored Dimpleback
Nausigaster geminata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Merodontini. It is commonly known as the Armored Dimpleback. The species was described by Townsend in 1897. As a syrphid fly, it likely exhibits typical hoverfly behaviors including flower visitation for nectar and pollen feeding, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Nausigaster scutellaris
Plain-winged Dimpleback
Nausigaster scutellaris is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Merodontini, described by Adams in 1904. The common name "Plain-winged Dimpleback" has been assigned to this species on iNaturalist, though published biological information remains sparse. As a member of the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies whose larvae typically develop in decaying organic matter or other moist substrates.
Palpada vinetorum
Northern Plushback
Palpada vinetorum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Northern Plushback. It is a medium-sized flower fly native to the Americas, with adults measuring 10–14 mm in length. The species belongs to the vinetorum species group within the genus Palpada, one of three groups established by Thompson (1981). Adults are notable pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. The species is widely distributed across North, Central, and South America.
Polybiomyia townsendi
Yellowshield Wasp Fly
Polybiomyia townsendi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Cerioidini. It is commonly known as the Yellowshield Wasp Fly. The species was described by Snow in 1895 and is currently accepted as valid. Like other members of the genus Polybiomyia, it is a wasp-mimicking syrphid fly. The genus belongs to a group of hoverflies that exhibit Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera.
Rhingiini
Rhingiini hoverflies
Rhingiini is a tribe of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) within the subfamily Eristalinae. The tribe contains approximately 13 genera, including the well-known genus Cheilosia and the type genus Rhingia. Members are documented across the Palearctic and other regions, with recent studies expanding known distributions in areas such as Ukraine.
Sphecomyia brevicornis
Short-horned Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia brevicornis is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) notable for its striking mimicry of yellowjacket wasps. It belongs to a small genus of wasp-mimicking flies that exhibit exceptional morphological convergence with vespid wasps. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Its specific epithet 'brevicornis' refers to the relatively short antennae compared to related species.
Teuchocnemis
Spur Flies
Teuchocnemis is a small genus of North American flower flies (family Syrphidae) commonly known as spur flies. The genus contains two recognized species: T. bacuntius and T. lituratus. Members are placed in the subfamily Eristalinae and tribe Milesiini.