Genetic-polymorphism

Guides

• Merodon equestris

  Narcissus bulb fly, greater bulb fly, large bulb fly, large Narcissus fly

  Merodon equestris is a Holarctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) and a significant horticultural pest of bulbous plants. Adults are bumblebee mimics with variable coloration controlled by multiple genetic loci, flying low in zig-zag patterns April through July. Larvae develop internally within bulbs of Amaryllidaceae and Liliaceae, particularly Narcissus, causing economic damage in cultivated settings.

  hoverflysyrphidbumblebee-mimicbulb-pesthorticultural-pestHolarcticgenetic-polymorphismeconomic-entomology