Flower-fly
Guides
Allograpta radiata
Y-shaped Streaktail
Allograpta radiata is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae), commonly known as the Y-shaped Streaktail. Like other members of the genus Allograpta, it is a small flower fly that likely contributes to pollination as an adult and may have predatory larvae. The species has been recorded in Hawaii and the United States, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Blera confusa
Confusing Wood Fly
Blera confusa, commonly known as the Confusing Wood Fly, is a syrphid fly species first described by Johnson in 1913. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in exuding sap or rot holes of trees. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America.
Blera robusta
Greenish Wood Fly
A rare Nearctic syrphid fly first described by Curran in 1922. Adults are known as flower flies, feeding on nectar and pollen. Larvae are rat-tailed type, developing in exuding sap or rot holes of trees. The species is considered uncommon throughout its range.
Brachyopa flavescens
Yellow Sapeater
Brachyopa flavescens, commonly known as the Yellow Sapeater, is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) described by Shannon in 1915. The species is fairly common in northeastern North America. Adults are associated with flowers, from which they obtain nectar and pollen. Larvae of the genus Brachyopa are of the rat-tailed type, though larvae of B. flavescens specifically have not been described.
Brachyopa notata
Black-banded Sapeater
Brachyopa notata is a rare species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) found in northeastern North America. Adults are flower-visiting insects that obtain nectar and pollen from flowers. The species is poorly documented, with only 25 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Larval development remains undescribed for this species, though related members of the genus Brachyopa possess rat-tailed larvae adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic environments.
Brachypalpus cyanella
Longnose Catkin, Longnose Catkin Fly
Brachypalpus cyanella is a rare Nearctic syrphid fly described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Adults are flower-associated, feeding on nectar and pollen. Larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing under tree bark in decaying sap. The species has a restricted distribution in southern and central California.
Brachypalpus cyanogaster
Bluebottle Catkin Fly, Bluebottle Catkin
Brachypalpus cyanogaster is a rare syrphid fly described by Loew in 1872. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are of the rat-tailed type and feed on decaying sap under tree bark. The species occurs in Canada and the United States.
Brachypalpus oarus
eastern catkin
Brachypalpus oarus, commonly known as the eastern catkin, is a Nearctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) described by Walker in 1849. Adults frequent flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae possess the rat-tailed morphology characteristic of saprophagous syrphids, feeding beneath tree bark.
Callicera erratica
golden pine fly, American Golden Longhorn
Callicera erratica is a rare species of syrphid fly found in the northeastern United States and Canada. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is notable for its specialized larval habitat: water-filled rot holes and cavities in old, living conifer trees. Its common name "golden pine fly" reflects both its coloration and this unique ecological association with pine trees.
Chalcosyrphus chalybeus
violet leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus chalybeus, commonly known as the violet leafwalker, is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) found in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are characterized by their all-black coloration with a distinctive steely blue or violet metallic sheen. Unlike many syrphid flies, this species shows a strong association with dead wood rather than flowers. The larvae develop in decaying wood as saprophages, while adults are known to visit flowers for nectar and pollen. Males possess holoptic (contiguous) eyes, a trait unusual among syrphid flies.
Chalcosyrphus inarmatus
Yellow-haired Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus inarmatus, commonly known as the yellow-haired leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly distributed across northern North America. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are typically associated with decaying wood rather than the aphid predation common to many hover flies. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from floral resources.
Chalcosyrphus libo
Long-haired Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus libo is an uncommon species of syrphid fly known by the common name Long-haired Leafwalker. It is characterized by an all-black body without the steel blue highlights seen in related species or the red abdominal markings present in congeners. The species exhibits notably enlarged and ventrally spinose metafemora with correspondingly curved tibiae, features whose function remains unclear but may relate to substrate interaction on woody surfaces. Adults are associated with dead and decaying wood, where females oviposit and larvae develop as saprophages. The species has been observed in north-central North America.
Chalcosyrphus nemorum
Dusky-banded Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus nemorum is a common species of syrphid fly with a Palearctic and Nearctic distribution. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies with distinctive enlarged, swollen hind femora bearing ventral spines and curved hind tibiae—adaptations associated with their association with dead wood. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males having holoptic (contiguous) eyes. Larvae develop under the bark of conifers (Larix, Pinus) and various hardwoods, where they function as saprophages in decaying wood. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from diverse plant species including white umbellifers, Caltha, Anemone nemorosa, and Ranunculus.
Chalcosyrphus piger
Short-haired Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus piger is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across North America and Europe. Adults are commonly known as flower flies and are frequently observed around flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen. The species is considered uncommon and is distinguished from congeners by its characteristic red abdominal markings. Larvae develop in decaying wood, specifically in sappy hollows of Larix and Pinus trees.
Chalcosyrphus vecors
Orange-hipped Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus vecors, commonly known as the Orange-hipped Leafwalker, is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) found throughout North America. It belongs to the subgenus Xylotomima and was originally described by Osten Sacken in 1875. Like other members of its genus, this species is associated with dead and decaying wood, where its larvae develop as saprophages.
Chrysogaster antitheus
Short-haired Wrinkle Fly, Short-haired Wrinklehead
Chrysogaster antitheus is a small syrphid fly (7–8 mm) found in North America, commonly known as the Short-haired Wrinkle Fly. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are aquatic "rat-tailed" maggots with a short respiratory siphon, inhabiting pond edges and emergent vegetation.
Copestylum fraudulentum
Copestylum fraudulentum is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It belongs to a genus of bromeliad-associated flies primarily found in the Americas. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1891. Like other members of Copestylum, adults are likely associated with flowers and may exhibit mimicry of bees or wasps, a common trait in the Syrphidae family. The larvae of related species are known to develop in bromeliad phytotelmata, though specific larval biology for C. fraudulentum has not been documented.
Copestylum opalescens
Opalescent Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum opalescens is a syrphid fly species in the tribe Volucellini, commonly known as the Opalescent Bromeliad Fly. It is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Copestylum, a group of New World flower flies predominantly associated with bromeliad microhabitats. The species was originally described by Townsend in 1901 under the genus Volucella. Like other Copestylum species, adults are likely flower visitors, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Copestylum opinator
Copestylum opinator is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Williston in 1891. The species belongs to a genus whose members are commonly known as bromeliad flies, with some species exhibiting specialized associations with bromeliad plants. As with many Copestylum species, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 25 records on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Copestylum satur
spotted-wing bromeliad fly
Copestylum satur is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the spotted-wing bromeliad fly. It belongs to the family Syrphidae, a group known as hoverflies or flower flies that are important pollinators. The species name references its association with bromeliad plants.
Copestylum tricinctum
Copestylum tricinctum is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, tribe Copestylini. The genus Copestylum contains approximately 60 species distributed primarily in the New World, with many species associated with flowers and rotting organic matter. The specific epithet 'tricinctum' refers to three bands or rings, likely describing abdominal patterning. This species is poorly documented in the literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Dasysyrphus laticaudus
Boreal Brusheye, boreal conifer fly
Dasysyrphus laticaudus is a small syrphid fly (5–8.2 mm) commonly found in Eastern and Northern North America. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in frons pattern, eye contact, and abdominal maculae shape. Larvae of the genus Dasysyrphus are aphid predators, though specific larval ecology for this species is not documented.
Eristalis saxorum
Blue-polished Drone Fly
Eristalis saxorum is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) native to eastern North America. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blossoms. The species exhibits typical drone fly characteristics, including bee-mimicry and hovering flight behavior. Larvae are presumed to be of the rat-tailed type, though they have not been formally identified for this species. The species is active from mid-March through late October, with adults overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
Eristalis transversa
Transverse-banded Drone Fly, Transverse Flower Fly
Eristalis transversa is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1830. Adults are bee mimics, displaying Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera. The species is common in eastern North America and is frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Like other Eristalis species, adults are important pollinators, though specific larval habitat for this species has not been documented.
Hammerschmidtia rufa
black-bristled logsitter
Hammerschmidtia rufa, known as the black-bristled logsitter, is an uncommon syrphid fly species distributed across North America. Adults are flower flies that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species has been found in association with deciduous trees, with larvae occurring under bark. It was originally described as Hammerschmidtia ferruginea by Curran.
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.
Helophilus lapponicus
Yellow-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus lapponicus is a Holarctic species of hoverfly found across northern North America, northern Europe, Greenland, and Siberia. Adults are medium-sized syrphid flies, 12.5–13.5 mm in length, commonly observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished by yellow abdominal markings and specific wing venation. Larval biology remains undocumented, though congeneric species develop in wet decaying organic matter.
Helophilus latifrons
Broad-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus latifrons, commonly known as the Broad-headed Marsh Fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The larvae are aquatic and develop in decaying submerged vegetation, functioning as decomposers in wetland ecosystems. The species occurs across much of North America including the United States, southern Canada, and mountainous regions of Mexico.
Helophilus neoaffinis
Northwestern Marsh Fly
A syrphid fly species in the genus Helophilus, recognized by iNaturalist as the Northwestern Marsh Fly. As with other members of its genus, it likely exhibits yellowjacket mimicry with vertical yellow stripes on the thorax. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water, characteristic of the 'rat-tailed maggot' form found in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Helophilus obscurus
obscure marsh fly
Helophilus obscurus is a syrphid fly commonly found across Canada, the northern United States, and the Rocky Mountains. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species is part of the marsh fly genus Helophilus, though the larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented. It is one of several North American Helophilus species that exhibit yellowjacket mimicry.
Heringia canadensis
Canadian smoothleg
Heringia canadensis, commonly known as the Canadian smoothleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across much of North America. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to the tribe Pipizini, whose larvae are known aphid predators, though specific larval biology for this species remains incompletely documented. It is considered fairly common within its range.
Mallota bautias
Bare-eyed Bee-mimic Fly
Mallota bautias is a hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to eastern North America. The species is notable for its exceptional mimicry of bumblebees (genus Bombus), particularly Bombus pennsylvanicus, serving as a classic example of Batesian mimicry in which a harmless species evolves to resemble a stinging model. Adult flies are pollinators, while larvae develop in tree holes filled with water. The species has been the subject of behavioral studies examining how avian predators respond to the mimic and its model.
Mallota bequaerti
Spot-winged Mimic Fly
Mallota bequaerti is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) in the family Syrphidae, described by Hull in 1956. The species is currently considered a synonym of Imatisma bequaerti in some taxonomic databases. Like other members of the genus Mallota, it is presumed to be a bumble bee mimic based on related species, though specific observations of this species are sparse.
Mallota illinoensis
Midwestern Bee-mimic Fly
Mallota illinoensis is a syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini, described by Robertson in 1901 from Illinois. The species is a bumble bee mimic, with adults resembling bees in size, coloration, and behavior. Larvae develop in tree holes, where they inhabit water-collecting cavities in rotting wood. The species is part of a genus whose members are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats.
Mallota mississipensis
Eastern Mimic Fly
Mallota mississipensis is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. It is one of approximately 13 species in the genus Mallota found in North America. The species is a bumble bee mimic, exhibiting the black and yellow coloration typical of this defensive mimicry strategy. Like other members of its genus, the larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, specifically in water that collects in tree holes. The species is known from eastern North America, with observations documented in the iNaturalist database.
Megasyrphus catalina
Yellow-legged Gossamer
Megasyrphus catalina is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1930. The species is known by the common name 'Yellow-legged Gossamer.' As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae and tribe Syrphini, it belongs to a diverse group of flies commonly known as flower flies or hoverflies, many of which are important pollinators. The specific epithet 'catalina' likely references the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona, suggesting a southwestern North American distribution. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Megasyrphus laxus
black-legged gossamer fly, Black-legged Gossamer
Megasyrphus laxus, the black-legged gossamer fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species found across North America. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is capable of hovering flight. Larval stages remain undescribed.
Meromacrus
Elegant Flies
Meromacrus is a genus of 43 species of large, conspicuous hoverflies (Syrphidae) distributed from the southern United States through the Neotropics to northern Argentina and Chile. Adults are frequent flower visitors and pollinators. Larvae are saprophagous, developing in decaying plant matter including rot holes, decaying stems, and rotting cacti.
Myolepta strigilata
Scaled Pegleg
Myolepta strigilata, commonly known as the Scaled Pegleg, is an uncommon syrphid fly found in the eastern and central United States. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species is part of the hoverfly family, capable of sustained hovering flight. Larvae of the genus develop in rot holes of deciduous trees.
Myolepta varipes
Orange-banded Pegleg, Orange-banded Spineleg
Myolepta varipes is an uncommon syrphid fly found in the eastern United States. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished by orange banding on the legs. Larvae of the genus develop in rot holes of deciduous trees.
Orphnabaccha coerulea
A species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Williston in 1891. The genus Orphnabaccha is part of the diverse Syrphinae subfamily, whose members are commonly known as flower flies. Species in this genus are typically associated with tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Orthonevra bellula
Three-lined Mucksucker
Orthonevra bellula is a rare species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Williston in 1882 as Chrysogater bellulus, with a lectotype later designated. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extend into the Neotropical region. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen.
Orthonevra flukei
Fluke's Mucksucker
Orthonevra flukei is an uncommon syrphid fly species known from the Western United States. Males measure approximately 4.5 mm and females 5.5 mm. The species exhibits distinctive metallic coloration on the head and thorax, with complex wing venation patterns that include clouded areas and brown spots. Like other members of its genus, it possesses rat-tailed larvae, though specific larval habitat preferences for this species remain undocumented.
Orthonevra nitida
Wavy Mucksucker
Orthonevra nitida, commonly known as the Wavy Mucksucker, is a small syrphid fly (4–5 mm) native to eastern and central North America. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extends into the Neotropical region. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blooms. The species exhibits distinctive metallic coloration and wing markings that aid in identification. Larvae of this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though O. nitida larvae specifically have not been described.
Orthonevra pictipennis
Dusky-veined Mucksucker
Orthonevra pictipennis, known as the Dusky-veined Mucksucker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in North America. Adults are small flower flies, measuring 5.5–6 mm in length, with distinctive metallic bronze-green and coppery coloration. The species shares much of its range with congeners O. pulchella, O. nitida, and O. feei. Larvae for this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though larvae of O. pictipennis specifically have not been described.
Palpada agrorum
Double-banded Plushback
Palpada agrorum is a common syrphid fly commonly known as the Double-banded Plushback. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, possessing an extensible posterior breathing siphon. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and belongs to the agrorum species group within the genus Palpada.
Palpada albifrons
White-faced Plushback
Palpada albifrons is a rare species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) characterized by its distinctive white-faced appearance and aquatic larval stage. Adults are medium-sized flower flies commonly found on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species has a disjunct distribution, occurring from Mexico northward along coastal areas of the United States, with additional records from South America. The larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that inhabit organic-rich standing water.
Palpada pusilla
Bicolored Plushback
Palpada pusilla is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bicolored Plushback. It is a member of the tribe Eristalini, which includes species whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their distinctive posterior breathing siphon. The species has been documented across all 27 states of Brazil based on distribution records. Adult flies are pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic environments.
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.
Paragus angustifrons
Narrow-faced Grass Skimmer
Paragus angustifrons is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found in North America. Adults are commonly known as flower flies and visit flowers to obtain nectar and pollen. The species is considered uncommon. The larvae have been reared from aphids, specifically Aphis spiraecola and Aphis spiraephila, indicating a role as a predator of these agricultural pests.