Hoverfly
Guides
Allograpta obliqua
oblique streaktail
Allograpta obliqua is a common North American hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Adults are small, measuring 6–7 mm, with distinctive yellow thoracic stripes and abdominal banding. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in eye structure: males have holoptic eyes while females have dichoptic eyes. Larvae are aphid predators, reaching 8–9 mm in length with a bumpy, slug-like appearance. The species is active year-round in southern portions of its range and has been documented across much of the continental United States, southern Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the West Indies, and parts of the Neotropical Americas.
Anasimyia
swamp flies
Anasimyia is a genus of wetland hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by aquatic larval development. The genus was historically treated as a subgenus of Lejops but has been elevated to full generic status based on morphological and molecular evidence. Adults are associated with marshy and aquatic habitats. The genus includes approximately 20 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region.
Anasimyia chrysostoma
Lump-legged Swamp Fly
Anasimyia chrysostoma, commonly known as the lump-legged swamp fly, is a syrphid fly species distributed across the United States and Canada. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are aquatic and possess the characteristic rat-tailed morphology typical of the genus Anasimyia. The species is considered fairly common and has been documented in 355 observations on iNaturalist.
Anasimyia distincta
short-spurred swamp fly
Anasimyia distincta, known as the short-spurred swamp fly, is a rare syrphid fly species documented in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are commonly observed on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are aquatic and possess the characteristic rat-tailed morphology of eristaline hoverflies.
Anasimyia perfidiosus
Treacherous Swamp Fly
Anasimyia perfidiosus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found in North America. It was originally described in the genus Lejops and is still sometimes referenced by that synonym. The species is known by the common name Treacherous Swamp Fly. It belongs to the subfamily Eristalinae, a group of syrphid flies often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Arctosyrphus willingii
northern longbeak
Arctosyrphus willingii, known as the northern longbeak, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is a medium-sized fly, 11–12 mm in length, with distinctive sexual dimorphism in frons width and wing coloration. The species was formerly classified under the genus Lejops. It is restricted to boreal and subarctic regions of North America.
Baccha
Baccha is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Syrphinae, characterized by extremely slender, club-shaped abdomens. Adults range from 7 to 10 mm in length and exhibit wasp-like body proportions with clear or faintly marked wings. The genus is distinguished by its distinctive elongate body form among syrphine flies.
Blera
Wood Flies
Blera is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) established by Billberg in 1820. The genus is primarily North American in distribution, with approximately three European species. One species, Blera fallax (pine hoverfly), has been the subject of conservation translocation efforts in Britain since 2018. A fossil species, Blera miocenica, has been described from Early Miocene deposits in the Czech Republic, representing the first known fossil record of the genus.
Blera analis
Orange-tailed Wood Fly
Blera analis is an uncommon syrphid fly found in northeastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies, 9–13 mm in length, with distinctive orange-yellow abdominal markings. The species was described by Macquart in 1842. Larvae develop in tree rot holes and feed on exuding sap.
Blera armillata
Orange-faced Wood Fly
Blera armillata is an uncommon syrphid hoverfly first described by Osten Sacken in 1875. Adults are known as flower flies and visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished from congeners by its entirely black abdomen, pale scutum, and black gena with a yellow face. The rat-tailed larvae develop in exuding sap or rot holes of trees.
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 humeralis
Yellow-legged Wood Fly
Blera humeralis, commonly known as the yellow-legged wood fly, is a Nearctic species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1882. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species is notable for its distinctive yellow and black coloration and rat-tailed larvae that develop in tree rot holes and sap flows. It is considered uncommon and has a restricted coastal distribution in western North America.
Blera nigra
Golden-haired Wood Fly
Blera nigra, commonly known as the golden-haired wood fly, is a Nearctic syrphid fly species first described by Williston in 1887. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in facial coloration and antennal structure. Larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in tree rot holes or exuding sap.
Blera pictipes
Painted Wood Fly
Blera pictipes is a rare syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) distributed across the eastern and central United States. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies with distinctive yellow and black abdominal markings and yellow-banded legs. The species exhibits rat-tailed larval morphology typical of related genera, with larvae developing in rot holes and on exuding sap of trees. First described by Bigot in 1884, it remains infrequently encountered despite its relatively broad geographic range.
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.
Blera scitula
Western Wood Fly
Blera scitula, commonly known as the western wood fly, is a syrphid hoverfly species first described by Williston in 1882. It is an uncommon Nearctic species found along the western coastal area of North America. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen, while larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in tree rot holes or feeding on exuding sap.
Blerina
Blerina is a subtribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) established by Mutin in 1999. It comprises six genera: Blera, Caliprobola, Cynorhinella, Lejota, Philippimyia, and Somula. These hoverflies belong to the diverse family of flower flies, many of which are important pollinators. The subtribe represents a distinct lineage within the Syrphidae, though detailed biological and ecological information remains limited in the available literature.
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
Catkin Flies
Brachypalpus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as catkin flies. Adults are distinguished by their triangular head that projects forward and downward, and males possess a spur on the hind trochanter. The genus comprises approximately 15 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region. Larvae develop in decaying wood and sap flows under tree bark.
Brachypalpus
Brachypalpus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. The genus contains multiple species, including at least one undescribed species awaiting formal taxonomic description. Species in this genus are typically associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. The undescribed status indicates ongoing taxonomic research is needed to fully characterize and name this particular lineage.
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.
Brachypalpus undescribed-b
Brachypalpus undescribed-b is an undescribed species within the hoverfly genus Brachypalpus (family Syrphidae). The genus Brachypalpus comprises medium-sized, often hairy hoverflies with larvae that develop in decaying wood and sap flows. This particular taxon is recognized from specimens that have been collected but not yet formally described in the scientific literature, indicating it represents a distinct morphological entity awaiting taxonomic treatment. As with other members of the genus, it is presumed to be associated with woodland habitats and saproxylic (dead wood-dependent) ecological systems.
Ceriana
Ceriana is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. All species are wasp mimics, exhibiting coloration and body form that resembles yellowjackets and paper wasps. Members of this genus are pollinators that visit flowers and are characterized by their hovering flight behavior. The genus was established by Rafinesque in 1815.
Ceriana abbreviata
Northern Wasp Fly
Ceriana abbreviata, known as the Northern Wasp Fly, is a rare syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1864. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling wasps in coloration and body form to avoid predation. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in tree wounds where they feed on sap. The species has been documented across North America including the United States and Canada.
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.
Chalcosyrphus curvarius
Chalcosyrphus curvarius is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, tribe Xylotini. Members of this genus are typically associated with decaying wood habitats. The larvae develop in rotting wood and fermenting sap, functioning as saprophages rather than predators. Adults are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and modified hind legs, though specific details for C. curvarius remain limited in available sources.
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 satanicus
Chalcosyrphus satanicus is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, first described by Bigot in 1884. Like other members of the genus Chalcosyrphus, this species exhibits morphological adaptations associated with dead wood habitats. The specific epithet "satanicus" places it among a small group of insects with devil-themed scientific names. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Cheilosia albitarsis
Cheilosia albitarsis is a large, abundant European hoverfly with a flight period from April to June, extending into July at higher elevations. Adults are strongly associated with buttercup flowers (Ranunculus), which also serve as the larval host plant. The species occupies diverse habitats including woodland clearings, agricultural land, and montane pastures. It is widely distributed throughout the Palearctic region.
Cheilosia grossa
Large Bulb Fly, Foxy Bulb Fly
A large, robust hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, widespread across Europe. Adults are active in early spring, visiting willow catkins and other early-flowering plants. The species is notable for its phytophagous larvae that tunnel within thistle stems and roots, causing characteristic plant damage. Males exhibit distinctive hovering behavior at head height, occasionally forming loose swarms.
Cheilosiina
Cheilosiina is a subtribe of hoverflies within the family Syrphidae. Members are small to medium-sized flies with distinctive facial and thoracic morphology. The group is taxonomically defined by specific cranial and mouthpart structures rather than conspicuous external features. Many species are associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
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.
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.
Chrysosyrphus versipellis
Chrysosyrphus versipellis is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Callicerini. Members of this genus are known for their metallic coloration and distinctive facial ornamentation. The species is associated with forested habitats and has been recorded in the Palearctic region.
Chrysotoxum chinook
Chinook Meadow Fly
Chrysotoxum chinook is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Shannon in 1926. The common name "Chinook Meadow Fly" suggests a potential association with meadow habitats. As a member of the genus Chrysotoxum, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies often characterized by distinctive yellow and black coloration. Beyond taxonomic classification and nomenclature, specific biological details about this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Chrysotoxum derivatum
Narrow-banded Meadow Fly
Chrysotoxum derivatum is a North American hoverfly (family Syrphidae) first described by Francis Walker in 1849. The species is commonly known as the Narrow-banded Meadow Fly. It is a relatively large hoverfly, measuring 8.9–16.2 mm in length. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from southern Alaska through Canada and the United States to Mexico.
Copestylum
Bromeliad Flies
Copestylum is one of the largest genera of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the Americas, comprising more than 300 species. The genus is neotropical in origin, with only four species recorded outside the Americas, likely introduced through cactus trade. Larvae are saprophagous and develop in decaying tissues of columnar cacti and other succulent plants, playing important roles in nutrient recycling in xeric environments. Adults are commonly known as bromeliad flies.
Copestylum apiciferum
Copestylum apiciferum is a species of syrphid fly in the hoverfly family Syrphidae. It belongs to a diverse genus of neotropical and nearctic flower-visiting flies commonly known as bromeliad flies. The species has been documented in 541 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-observed among syrphid enthusiasts. As with other members of its genus, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Copestylum caudatum
hairy-horned bromeliad fly
Copestylum caudatum is a syrphid fly endemic to central western North America. The common name "hairy-horned bromeliad fly" suggests an association with bromeliad plants, a trait shared with other members of the genus Copestylum. As a hoverfly, it likely contributes to pollination services in its native range. The species was described by Charles Howard Curran in 1927.
Copestylum comstocki
Comstock's Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum comstocki, commonly known as Comstock's bromeliad fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species is native to south-central North America. As a member of the genus Copestylum, it is associated with bromeliad plants, which serve as breeding sites. The larvae develop in the water-holding leaf axils of bromeliads, a habitat specialization characteristic of this genus. Adult flies are likely flower visitors like other syrphid species, though specific floral associations remain poorly documented.
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 haagii
Haag's bromeliad fly
Copestylum haagii, commonly known as Haag's bromeliad fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is found in western North America. The species is associated with bromeliad plants, as indicated by its common name. Adults are flower visitors.
Copestylum macrocephalum
Copestylum macrocephalum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. It has been documented from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, specifically from California, Arizona, and Baja California. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Copestylum marginatum
Syrphid fly
Copestylum marginatum is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in the family Syrphidae. It has been documented in Southwestern North America, with over 3,500 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a member of the diverse syrphid family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
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 posticum
Copestylum posticum is a syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) described by Thomas Say in 1829. The species is documented from 39 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is recognized in field records though detailed biological information appears limited in publicly available sources. As a member of the genus Copestylum, it belongs to a group of hoverflies commonly known as bromeliad flies, with many species in this genus exhibiting associations with bromeliad plants. The specific epithet 'posticum' (Latin for 'posterior' or 'behind') may refer to a morphological feature, though this is not confirmed in available sources.