Hover-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.
Ceriana ancoralis
Black-sided Wasp Fly
Ceriana ancoralis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Black-sided Wasp Fly. It is a wasp mimic, displaying coloration and body form that resembles vespid wasps such as yellowjackets and paper wasps. This mimicry provides protection from predators that avoid wasps. The species has been documented in limited observations, with 21 records on iNaturalist.
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 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.
Copestylum lentum
Copestylum lentum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults have been recorded from California, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Mexico. Larvae are saprophytic, developing in decaying platyclades of Opuntia cacti. The species has been reared from larvae collected in Veracruz, Mexico, and its immature stages and feeding behavior have been described in relation to cephalopharyngeal skeleton morphology.
Dasysyrphus intrudens
intrudens complex
Dasysyrphus intrudens is a species complex of hover flies (family Syrphidae) distributed across the Holarctic realm, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The name currently encompasses multiple cryptic species that have not yet been formally delineated. Adults are frequently observed, but larvae remain undescribed as of 2012, possibly due to nocturnal habits.
Eupeodes flukei
Fluke's Aphideater
Eupeodes flukei is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as Fluke's Aphideater. As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are aphid predators, contributing to natural pest control in gardens and agricultural settings. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species exhibits typical hover fly characteristics including wasp-mimicking appearance, hovering flight behavior, and large compound eyes.
Eupeodes montivagus
Red-tailed Aphideater
A flower fly (Syrphidae) known as the Red-tailed Aphideater. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. Larvae are aphid predators, with females laying eggs in or near aphid colonies. The species was first described from Colorado by William Morton Wheeler in 1895.
Eupeodes snowi
Snow's Aphideater
Eupeodes snowi is a species of syrphid fly, commonly known as Snow's Aphideater, in the family Syrphidae. As a member of the Syrphinae subfamily, its larvae are aphid predators. The species is part of a diverse genus of hover flies that serve as important biological control agents and pollinators.
Hypocritanus fascipennis
eastern band-winged hover fly
Hypocritanus fascipennis is a North American species of syrphid fly commonly known as the eastern band-winged hover fly. It was transferred from the genus Ocyptamus to Hypocritanus in 2020 based on phylogenetic research. As a member of the hover fly family Syrphidae, it likely exhibits the characteristic hovering flight behavior typical of this group.
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.
Mallota sackeni
brown-haltered mimic fly, brown-haltered bee-mimic fly
Mallota sackeni is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) native to western North America. The species is known for its bee-mimicry, a common defensive adaptation among syrphid flies. Adults are active pollinators, while larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments typical of the tribe Eristalini. The species has been documented from British Columbia to southern California and eastward to Idaho and Utah.
Microdon
Ant Flies
Microdon is a genus of hover flies (Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, containing approximately 249 species worldwide with greatest diversity in the tropics. The genus is notable for its myrmecophilous lifestyle: adults remain near ant colonies rather than visiting flowers, and larvae develop inside ant nests. Adults are morphologically atypical for hover flies—sedentary, robust, very hairy, and often bee-like in appearance. Larvae are dome-shaped, slug-like, and slow-moving, with spiracles on a peg-like posterior protuberance. The genus has historically served as a catch-all for unrelated species, and ongoing taxonomic revision is expected to reassign many species to other genera.
Microdon aurulentus
Golden-haired Ant Fly
Microdon aurulentus is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Commonly known as the Golden-haired Ant Fly, this species belongs to the subfamily Microdontinae, whose larvae are known to develop within ant colonies. The species was described by Fabricius in 1805. Recent research involving specimen collections in Illinois has contributed to updated distribution records for this species.
Microdon lanceolatus
Spear-horned Ant Fly
Microdon lanceolatus is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Spear-horned Ant Fly. Like other members of the genus Microdon, it is presumed to have an ant-associated life cycle, with larvae developing within ant colonies. The species was described by Adams in 1903. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification.
Microdon manitobensis
Greater Ant Fly
Microdon manitobensis, commonly known as the Greater Ant Fly, is a species of syrphid fly first described by Curran in 1924. It belongs to the subfamily Microdontinae, a group of hover flies with unusual life histories involving ant associations. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are known to inhabit ant nests, though specific details for this species remain limited. It has been documented in museum collections and citizen science observations, with 59 records on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Microdon pallipennis
Microdon pallipennis is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) described by Curran in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Microdontinae, a group whose larvae are known to develop within ant colonies. The species was included in a 2023 Illinois Natural History Survey study that digitized and identified historic hover fly specimens, contributing to updated species range data for the region.
Milesia virginiensis
yellowjacket hover fly, Virginia flower fly, Virginia Giant Hover Fly, News Bee
A large, striking syrphid fly native to eastern North America. Adults are notable mimics of yellowjackets and hornets, complete with yellow, brown, and black coloration and a loud droning buzz. The species is active primarily in mid-summer to early fall, frequenting forest edges and meadows. Larvae develop in decaying wood. The species carries extensive American folklore, commonly known as the "News Bee" for its habit of hovering near people.
Ocyptamus gastrostactus
Spotted Hover Fly
Ocyptamus gastrostactus is a predatory hover fly in the family Syrphidae. Its larvae are specialized predators of aphids, with documented predation on Sarucallis kahawaluokalani on Lagerstroemia indica in Panama. The species serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pachyneuron albutius, which parasitizes its pupae. It is widely distributed across Brazil and has been recorded in Panama.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
Victoriana parvicornis
Scarlet Hover Fly
Victoriana parvicornis is a hover fly species in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Scarlet Hover Fly. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini, which includes many bee- and wasp-mimicking species. The species was described by Loew in 1861. As a member of this diverse family, it likely exhibits typical syrphid characteristics including agile flight and potential pollination behavior, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
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.