Flower-fly
Guides
Parhelophilus divisus
Yellow-legged Bog Fly
Parhelophilus divisus is a rare syrphid fly species known as the yellow-legged bog fly, documented primarily from the northeastern United States. The species exhibits the characteristic hoverfly ability to remain nearly motionless in flight. Adults are flower-associated, feeding on nectar and pollen, while larvae possess the distinctive long-tailed "rat-tailed" morphology typical of many Eristalinae.
Parhelophilus integer
Shiny Bog Fly
Parhelophilus integer, commonly known as the shiny bog fly, is a rare syrphid fly species found in the Eastern United States. Adults are flower-associated, feeding on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits typical hoverfly flight behavior, capable of remaining nearly motionless in flight. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with the characteristic long-tailed 'rat-tailed' morphology shared by other members of the genus.
Parhelophilus obsoletus
Unadorned Bog Fly
Parhelophilus obsoletus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across Canada and the northeastern and central United States. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is considered fairly common within its range. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Parhelophilus rex
Dusky Bog Fly
Parhelophilus rex, commonly known as the Dusky Bog Fly, is a syrphid fly species described by Curran and Fluke in 1922. It occurs in northern North America and is considered fairly common within its range. Like other hoverflies, adults are capable of nearly motionless flight and are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Pipiza puella
Sumac Gall Pithead
Pipiza puella is a small hoverfly (Syrphidae) known by the common name 'sumac gall pithead.' Adults are active flower visitors, feeding on nectar and pollen. The species has been documented in eastern and central North America as well as Norway. Larvae are reported to be aphid predators, though detailed life history information remains limited.
Pterallastes thoracicus
goldenback fly, Orangeback syrphid fly
Pterallastes thoracicus is a syrphid fly commonly known as the goldenback fly or orangeback syrphid fly. It is an uncommon species observed across central and eastern United States, with recent records expanding its known range into Canada. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae of this species remain unknown.
Sericomyia bifasciata
Long-nosed Pond Fly
Sericomyia bifasciata, commonly known as the Long-nosed Pond Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly described by Williston in 1887. It belongs to the genus Sericomyia, whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" with long breathing siphons adapted to aquatic environments. However, the larvae of this particular species remain unknown. Adults have been observed in the northeastern part of North America.
Somula decora
spotted wood fly
Somula decora, commonly called the spotted wood fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species found in central to eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized, roughly honey bee-sized, with black bodies heavily marked with golden yellow. The species exhibits wasp mimicry, likely resembling scoliid wasps or queen yellowjackets. Larvae develop in decaying wood, while adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphaerophoria contigua
Tufted Globetail
Sphaerophoria contigua is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Tufted Globetail. As a member of the hoverfly family Syrphidae, it exhibits the characteristic hovering behavior and yellow-and-black coloration typical of many flower flies. The species is a predator of aphids, with larvae feeding on these soft-bodied insects. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphaerophoria novaeangliae
Black-striped Globetail
Sphaerophoria novaeangliae is a species of syrphid fly, commonly known as the Black-striped Globetail. It belongs to a genus whose members are frequently observed hovering near flowers and are often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their yellow and black coloration. The species was described by Johnson in 1916. As with other Sphaerophoria species, adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphaerophoria philanthus
Black-footed Globetail
Sphaerophoria philanthus is a species of syrphid fly, commonly known as the Black-footed Globetail. It belongs to the family Syrphidae, a diverse group of flower-visiting flies often called hoverflies due to their ability to remain stationary in flight. The species is documented from Europe, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources. Like other members of the genus Sphaerophoria, it likely exhibits sexual dimorphism in abdominal patterning, a characteristic feature of this group.
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.
Sphecomyia cryptica
Sphecomyia cryptica is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) described in 2019 from the genus Sphecomyia, a group of large wasp-mimicking flies in the subtribe Criorhinina. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, characterized by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species exhibits distinctive abdominal patterning with pruinose sternites and yellow-banded tergites. As a member of this Holarctic genus, it likely functions as a pollinator in its adult stage. Biological data remain limited due to its recent description.
Sphecomyia dyari
Dyar's Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia dyari is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) known for its striking resemblance to yellowjacket wasps. It belongs to a genus notable for exceptionally convincing wasp mimicry, including elongated antennae and flight patterns that imitate queen yellowjackets searching for nest sites. The species was described by Shannon in 1925 and is found in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely serves as a Batesian mimic, gaining protection from predators by resembling stinging wasps.
Sphecomyia hoguei
Sphecomyia hoguei is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) described in 2019, belonging to the S. pattonii species group within the genus Sphecomyia. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp mimicry, a characteristic defensive adaptation in this lineage. The species was formally described in a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the world Sphecomyia fauna.
Sphegina brachygaster
Thick-waisted Pufftail
Sphegina brachygaster, known as the Thick-waisted Pufftail, is a syrphid fly species described by Hull in 1935. It is fairly common in the eastern United States. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen. Larvae develop in decaying sap accumulations under bark in wet woodland environments.
Sphegina campanulata
Orange-horned Hammertail, Orange-horned Pufftail
Sphegina campanulata is a syrphid fly (hoverfly) species described by Robertson in 1901. It is fairly common in the northeastern United States. The species is known for its distinctive orange-horned appearance and is one of approximately 45 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of the genus Sphegina, it exhibits the characteristic hovering flight ability common to syrphid flies.
Sphegina lobata
Yellow-lobed Pufftail
Sphegina lobata, commonly known as the Yellow-lobed Pufftail, is an uncommon species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. First described by Loew in 1863, this species is found in northeastern North America. Adults are flower visitors, while larvae develop in decaying sap accumulations under bark in moist woodland habitats.
Sphegina rufiventris
Black-horned Pufftail
Sphegina rufiventris is a common syrphid fly species found in the northeastern United States. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is notable for its ability to hover nearly motionless in flight, a trait shared with other hoverflies. Larvae develop in specialized microhabitats, specifically accumulations of decaying sap under bark in moist environments.
Spilomyia fusca
Bald-faced Hornet Fly
Spilomyia fusca, the Bald-faced Hornet Fly, is a syrphid fly first described by Loew in 1864. This species is a notable wasp mimic, resembling yellowjackets in both appearance and sound. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers, while larvae develop in moist tree rot holes where they feed on decaying organic matter. The species is relatively common in eastern North America.
Spilomyia interrupta
Interrupted Hornet Fly
Spilomyia interrupta, commonly known as the Interrupted Hornet Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. First described by Williston in 1882, this uncommon species is native to western North America, particularly along the California coast. Like other members of the genus Spilomyia, it exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including similar coloration, body shape, and even wingbeat frequency. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in moist tree rot holes.
Spilomyia kahli
Yellow-tailed Hornet Fly
Spilomyia kahli is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-tailed Hornet Fly. It is one of approximately 13 North American species in the genus Spilomyia, a group renowned for their exceptional mimicry of yellowjacket wasps. The species was described by Snow in 1895. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits sophisticated visual and acoustic mimicry to avoid predation.
Spilomyia sayi
Four-lined Hornet Fly
Spilomyia sayi is a common North American hoverfly and wasp mimic, ranging from western Canada to the northeastern United States. Adults are active from June to October and are frequently found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. Larvae develop in decaying heartwood of deciduous trees and in rot holes.
Spilomyia texana
Texas Hornet Fly
Spilomyia texana is a hover fly (family Syrphidae) first described from Texas in 1921 by Johnson. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Spilomyia alcimus (Walker, 1849), the Broad-banded Hornet Fly, by major taxonomic databases including GBIF and Catalogue of Life. Like other members of the genus Spilomyia, it is a wasp mimic with yellow and black coloration. The genus contains approximately 13 species in North America, all known for their convincing mimicry of yellowjackets in both appearance and behavior.
Syrphus
Common Flower Flies
Syrphus is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, characterized by distinctive calypter morphology. The genus is distinguished from other Syrphini by long hairs on the upper surface of the lower lobe of the calypter, a unique diagnostic feature. Adults are common flower visitors and pollinators, while larvae are primarily aphid predators. The genus includes approximately 20 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with several species occurring in North America and Europe.
Syrphus attenuatus
Yellow-margined Flower Fly
Syrphus attenuatus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hine in 1922. As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are presumed aphid predators, though this specific life history has not been directly documented for this species. The species is known from Norway and Sweden according to distribution records, and is referred to by the common name "Yellow-margined Flower Fly." Like other Syrphus species, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Syrphus knabi
Eastern Flower Fly
Syrphus knabi is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies, 7.2–12.9 mm in length, with distinctive yellow and black banded abdomens and sexually dimorphic head coloration. The species is a known aphid predator in its larval stage.
Syrphus opinator
Black-margined Flower Fly
Syrphus opinator, commonly known as the black-margined flower fly, is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are frequently mistaken for honey bees due to their similar appearance and behavior. The species is found in western North America, including the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and California. Like other members of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids.
Syrphus rectus
Yellow-legged Flower Fly
Syrphus rectus is a hover fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as the yellow-legged flower fly. It is frequently encountered in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, with occasional records from Europe. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, with black and yellow abdominal banding. Both life stages serve ecological functions: larvae are aphid predators, while adults visit flowers for nectar and contribute to pollination.
Syrphus vitripennis
Black-thighed Flower Fly
Syrphus vitripennis is a common Holarctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) with distinctive yellow and black wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are medium-sized (8–11 mm body length, wing length 7.25–10.25 mm) and frequent flowers from March to October, peaking in July–August. Larvae are aphid predators, making this species economically significant for biological control. The species is highly migratory, with documented seasonal movements between latitudes. It is one of five Syrphus species in Britain and can be difficult to distinguish from congeners, particularly S. rectus in males.
Temnostoma alternans
Wasp-like Falsehorn
Temnostoma alternans, commonly known as the Wasp-like Falsehorn, is a species of syrphid fly found throughout northern and central United States and Canada. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The species exhibits elaborate mimicry of solitary mason wasps, including darkened wing margins that resemble the folded wings of vespid wasps and distinctive leg-waving behavior that mimics wasp antennae. Larvae develop in moist decayed wood.
Temnostoma daochus
Yellow-spotted Falsehorn
Temnostoma daochus is a rare syrphid fly species in the eastern United States, notable for its elaborate Batesian mimicry of solitary mason wasps. It exhibits both morphological and behavioral mimicry, including darkened wing edges that imitate vespid wing folds and deliberate foreleg movements that mimic wasp antennae. The species is closely related to T. barberi, with which it forms a lineage sister to the rest of the genus. Larvae develop in moist decayed wood.
Temnostoma venustum
black-banded falsehorn
Temnostoma venustum is a rare syrphid fly (flower fly) found in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are wasp mimics with darkened wing margins and leg-waving behavior that simulates wasp antennae. Larvae develop in moist decayed wood.
Teuchocnemis lituratus
Black Spur Fly
Teuchocnemis lituratus, commonly known as the Black Spur Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies, measuring 10.5–15.4 mm in length. The species is distinguished by distinctive morphological features, particularly in males. Larval biology remains unknown.
Toxomerus
Calligrapher Flies
Toxomerus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) distributed across the Americas, with over 130 described Neotropical species and additional Nearctic endemics. Species are small (typically 6–9 mm), characterized by large eyes with posterior indentation and diagnostic abdominal patterns. Most larvae are predatory on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, though at least three species are known pollen-feeders. Adults are pollinivorous, feeding on nectar and pollen from diverse flowering plants. The genus includes notable ecological specialists such as Toxomerus basalis, a kleptoparasite of sundews (Drosera), and several species introduced to the Afrotropics.
hoverflyflower-flyaphid-predatorpollinatorbiological-controlHymenoptera-mimickleptoparasiteintroduced-speciesNeotropicalNearcticAfrotropical-introductionpolyvoltineSyrphiniSyrphinaeDipteraSyrphidaeToxomerus-marginatusToxomerus-disparToxomerus-pulchellusToxomerus-basalisToxomerus-floralisToxomerus-politusToxomerus-apegiensisDroserasundewpollenivorypredatory-larvaeurban-adapteragricultural-beneficialcryptic-larvaeeye-dimorphismterritorial-behaviorDNA-barcodingcitizen-sciencemuseum-collectionsrange-expansionconservation-concernToxomerus boscii
Thin-lined Calligrapher
Toxomerus boscii is a small syrphid fly commonly known as the Thin-lined Calligrapher. Adults are known pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species belongs to a genus whose members were historically assumed to have predatory larvae, though some Toxomerus species have been found to feed on pollen.
Toxomerus corbis
Black-sided Calligrapher
Toxomerus corbis is a small hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-sided Calligrapher. It is one of approximately 144 species in the genus Toxomerus, a diverse group distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The genus was historically assumed to have predatory larvae, though some species have been found to feed on pollen. Adults are active pollinators, visiting flowers for nectar.
Toxomerus geminatus
Eastern Calligrapher
Toxomerus geminatus, commonly known as the Eastern Calligrapher, is a small hover fly (Syrphidae) native to eastern North America. Adults measure 6.1–7.6 mm and are frequently found hovering around flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is very similar in appearance to the Western Calligrapher (Toxomerus occidentalis). Larvae are predators of aphids and mites, contributing to biological control in agricultural and natural settings.
Toxomerus jussiaeae
Orange-backed Calligrapher
Toxomerus jussiaeae is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Vigé in 1939. It belongs to the genus Toxomerus, a diverse group of small syrphid flies with over 144 species in the Neotropics. The species is known by the common name "Orange-backed Calligrapher." Like other members of its genus, it is likely a pollinator as an adult, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Toxomerus mutuus
Toxomerus mutuus is a small hover fly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, first described by Thomas Say in 1829. Adults are active pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The genus Toxomerus is highly diverse in the Neotropics with over 144 species, though this species occurs in North America. Larval biology for most Toxomerus species remains poorly documented, with some species known to be pollen feeders and others predatory.
Toxomerus occidentalis
Western Calligrapher
Toxomerus occidentalis, commonly known as the Western Calligrapher, is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) native to western North America. Adults are frequent visitors to flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids and mites. The species was described by Curran in 1922 and is one of the more commonly observed syrphid flies in its range.
Toxomerus parvulus
Black-backed Calligrapher
Toxomerus parvulus is a small hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-backed Calligrapher. The genus Toxomerus is exceptionally diverse in the Neotropics, with over 144 species, though many remain understudied. Larval feeding habits in this genus have historically been assumed to be predatory, but some species have been discovered to feed on pollen, indicating dietary diversity within the genus.
Toxomerus verticalis
Banded Calligrapher
Toxomerus verticalis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Banded Calligrapher. It belongs to the genus Toxomerus, a group of small hover flies noted for their bee-mimicking appearance and ecological versatility. The species was described by Curran in 1927. As a member of the Syrphidae family, adults are likely pollinators, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Trichopsomyia banksi
White-faced Psyllid-killer
Trichopsomyia banksi is an uncommon species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across North America. Adults are known as flower flies and visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species has earned the common name "white-faced psyllid killer" though the specific larval biology of this species remains undocumented. Other members of the genus Trichopsomyia are known predators of psyllids, aphids, and Phylloxera.
Xylota angustiventris
Two-spotted Leafwalker
Xylota angustiventris is an uncommon syrphid fly species found in northeastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies measuring 12.2–14.4 mm, predominantly black with two distinct yellow spots on the abdomen in males. The species belongs to the genus Xylota, whose larvae typically develop in decaying wood or tree holes where they feed on sap or decaying organic matter rather than being predatory. Adults are associated with flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen.
Xylota annulifera
Longspine Leafwalker
Xylota annulifera, described by Bigot in 1884, is an uncommon syrphid fly occurring across Canada and the eastern United States. Adults are medium-sized hover flies measuring 7.5–11.8 mm, characterized by black bodies with yellow abdominal spots. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae develop under bark in sap runs, though specific larval biology for this species is not well documented. Adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, typical of the Syrphidae family.
Xylota quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Leafwalker
A common species of syrphid fly found in central and eastern North America. Adults are 8.2–11.3 mm long, black with distinctive yellow-orange spots on the abdomen. Unlike most flower flies, adults rarely visit flowers, instead feeding on pollen from leaf surfaces. The larvae develop in rotting wood under bark in sap runs.