Hoverfly
Guides
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 sexmaculatum
Six-spotted Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum sexmaculatum, commonly known as the six-spotted bromeliad fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The common name references its association with bromeliad plants, which serve as hosts for its larval development. As a member of the genus Copestylum, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies whose larvae are typically found in phytotelmata—water-holding structures of plants such as bromeliads. Adults are flower visitors and contribute to pollination. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range with numerous observations recorded.
Copestylum tamaulipanum
Woolly Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum tamaulipanum is a species of syrphid hoverfly known from Mexico and the Mexico–United States border region. Larvae develop in decaying platyclades of Opuntia cacti, exhibiting saprophytic feeding behavior. Adults are flower visitors. The species has been introduced to Hawaii.
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.
Copestylum vesicularium
Iridescent Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum vesicularium, commonly known as the iridescent bromeliad fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. This species is widely distributed across the eastern half of North America. The common name reflects its association with bromeliad plants, which serve as larval hosts. Like other members of the genus Copestylum, adults are likely flower visitors, though specific floral associations require further documentation.
Copestylum victoria
Victoria's bromeliad fly
Copestylum victoria is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as Victoria's bromeliad fly. The species is named in association with bromeliads, suggesting a specialized ecological relationship with these plants. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination and shares the characteristic hovering flight behavior typical of the group.
Copestylum violaceum
purple bromeliad fly
Copestylum violaceum, commonly known as the purple bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species is associated with bromeliad plants, as indicated by its common name. It belongs to a diverse genus of hoverflies found primarily in the Americas. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1829.
Criorhina
Bumble Flies
Criorhina is a genus of medium to large hoverflies (Syrphidae) that exhibit Batesian mimicry of bumblebees. The genus is characterized by a flattened, broad head and distinctive antennal placement on a prominent conical frontal process. Larvae develop in rot holes and decaying hardwoods. Several species show pronounced geographical variation in abdominal colour patterns, with morphological differences correlated with the distribution of their hymenopteran models.
Criorhina aurea
Criorhina aurea is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Lovett in 1919. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As with other members of the genus Criorhina, it likely exhibits bumblebee mimicry, a common trait among hoverflies in this group.
Criorhina caudata
Red-tailed Bumblefly
Criorhina caudata is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1925. It is commonly known as the Red-tailed Bumblefly. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Criorhina, it exhibits bumblebee mimicry as a defensive adaptation.
Criorhina coquilletti
Coquillett's Bumble Fly
Criorhina coquilletti is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) known as Coquillett's Bumble Fly. The genus Criorhina belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. Hoverflies in this genus are recognized for their bumble bee mimicry, a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1892.
Criorhina fusca
Dusky Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina fusca is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Weisman in 1964. It is known from the United States. The species belongs to a genus whose members are notable for their mimicry of yellowjacket wasps (Vespula spp.), a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. As with other Criorhina species, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Criorhina kincaidi
Kincaid's Bumble Fly
Criorhina kincaidi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as Kincaid's Bumble Fly. The species was described by Coquillett in 1901. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Criorhina nasica
Black-backed Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina nasica is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, first described from North America in 1908. The species is known from limited observations and appears to be uncommon or underreported. It belongs to a genus characterized by bumble bee-mimicry, though specific morphological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Criorhina nigriventris
bare-cheeked bumble fly
Criorhina nigriventris is an uncommon species of syrphid fly known as the bare-cheeked bumble fly. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits bumble bee mimicry, a common defensive adaptation in the genus Criorhina. Larval development occurs in decaying wood. The species has been documented across northern North America with scattered records in the Appalachian region.
Criorhina occidentalis
Western Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina occidentalis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Western Yellowjacket Fly. It belongs to a genus of hoverflies that exhibit mimicry of stinging insects such as wasps and hornets. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the Syrphidae family, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Criorhina tricolor
Tricoloured Bumblefly
Criorhina tricolor is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Tricoloured Bumblefly. It is a bumble bee mimic, resembling species in the genus Bombus. The species was described by Coquillett in 1900 and is found in North America.
Criorhina verbosa
Hairy-cheeked Bumble Fly
Criorhina verbosa is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as the Hairy-cheeked Bumble Fly. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini and is part of a genus whose members are notable bumblebee mimics. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1849 under the basionym Milesia verbosa.
Criorhina villosa
Winter Bumblefly
Criorhina villosa, commonly known as the winter bumblefly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It was formerly placed in its own genus, Merapioidus, before being reclassified into Criorhina. The species name has been subject to taxonomic confusion with a related Mexican species originally described as Romaleosyrphus villosus in 1882; as both species now share the genus Criorhina, the older name from 1879 takes precedence.
Criorhinina
Criorhinina is a subtribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) within the tribe Milesiini and subfamily Eristalinae. Members are characterized by their association with decaying wood and sap flows, where larvae develop. The subtribe includes genera such as *Criorhina* and *Sphecomyia*, which are often large-bodied and mimic bumble bees or wasps. Adults are primarily found in forested habitats.
Dasysyrphus
Dasysyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is relatively straightforward to identify, though species-level differentiation requires careful examination and should not rely solely on images. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive morphological features including hairy eyes and microtrichose wings. Larvae are primarily arboreal, feeding nocturnally on aphids and other small Hemiptera.
Dasysyrphus creper
Arched Brusheye
Dasysyrphus creper is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Snow in 1895. It belongs to the genus Dasysyrphus, a group of small to medium-sized syrphid flies commonly known as brusheye hoverflies. The common name "Arched Brusheye" refers to distinctive eye markings characteristic of this species. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woodland habitats and aphid prey, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
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.
Dasysyrphus limatus
Narrow-banded Brusheye
Dasysyrphus limatus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hine in 1922. It belongs to a genus characterized by banded abdomens and is known by the common name Narrow-banded Brusheye. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.
Dasysyrphus occidualis
Western Brusheye
Dasysyrphus occidualis is a hoverfly species described in 2013, distinguished as a western North American representative of the Dasysyrphus genus. The common name "Western Brusheye" references its geographic position relative to other members of this group. As with other Dasysyrphus species, it belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive eye and facial setation patterns. The species remains poorly known due to its recent description and limited observational records.
Dasysyrphus pacificus
Dasysyrphus pacificus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) originally described from the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Dasysyrphus pauxillus. Hoverflies in this genus are commonly known as 'flower flies' due to their frequent presence at flowers, where adults feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae of Dasysyrphus species are predatory, typically feeding on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.
Dasysyrphus pauxillus
Lesser Brusheye
Dasysyrphus pauxillus is a small hoverfly species found in both North America and Europe. It belongs to the genus Dasysyrphus, a group characterized by their distinctive thoracic pile patterns. The species was first described by Williston in 1887. It is known by the common name Lesser Brusheye.
Dasysyrphus venustus
Dasysyrphus venustus is a Holarctic hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) distributed across the Palaearctic region from Fennoscandia to the Pacific coast. It is the most frequent and widely distributed species in its genus, though studies indicate it may represent a complex of cryptic species due to high morphological and genetic variability. Adults are active primarily in spring, with a flight period from April to June.
Didea
lucent flies
Didea is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as lucent flies. Adults are large-bodied, measuring 10–15 mm, with distinctive black and yellow coloration. The genus is notable for its late-season flight activity and predatory larvae that feed on arboreal aphids.
Didea alneti
Didea alneti is a Holarctic hoverfly species with a wide distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are arboreal, descending to visit flowers of various herbaceous plants and shrubs. The larvae are arboreal predators that feed on aphids associated with trees including Larix, Prunus, Salix, and Quercus.
Didea fuscipes
Undivided Lucent
Didea fuscipes is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini. It is commonly known as the Undivided Lucent. As a member of the genus Didea, it shares the characteristic broad, somewhat flattened abdomen typical of this group. The species was described by Loew in 1863. Observations of this species are documented in North America, including Vermont in the United States.
Dioprosopa
drone flies
Dioprosopa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, containing two described species found in the New World. The genus was elevated from subgenus rank in 2018 based on phylogenetic studies. Both species occur in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where they contribute to ecosystem services through adult pollination and larval predation on agricultural pests.
Dioprosopa clavata
Four-speckled Hover Fly
Dioprosopa clavata is a Neotropical hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the type species of genus Dioprosopa. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphidophagous predators that also attack spittlebugs and other hemipteran pests. The species provides dual ecosystem services as both a pollinator and biological control agent in natural habitats and agroecosystems, including citrus orchards. Climate change projections indicate substantial habitat loss by 2100, with range contractions in tropical lowlands and modest shifts toward cooler, higher-elevation refugia.
Doros aequalis
Canadian Potter Fly
Doros aequalis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Canadian Potter Fly. It belongs to the family Syrphidae, a diverse group of true flies often recognized for their bee- or wasp-like appearance. The species was first described by Loew in 1863. Records indicate it occurs in parts of North America, including Vermont and other areas in the United States.
Eosalpingogaster nepenthe
Eosalpingogaster nepenthe is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hull in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini within the subfamily Syrphinae. The specific epithet 'nepenthe' references the mythical drug of forgetfulness from Greek literature, a naming convention shared with the pitcher plant genus Nepenthes. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Epistrophe grossulariae
Black-horned Smoothtail
Epistrophe grossulariae is a Holarctic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-horned Smoothtail. It is a medium-sized syrphid fly with distinctive morphological features that distinguish it from congeners. The species has been well-documented across Europe with substantial observational records.
Epistrophe nitidicollis
Straight-banded Smoothtail
Epistrophe nitidicollis is a hoverfly species with a broad Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and northern Asia. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive yellow facial markings and a black-and-yellow banded abdomen. The species is strongly associated with deciduous woodland habitats where larvae prey on aphids. Adults visit diverse flowering plants including umbellifers and early spring bloomers.
Epistrophella emarginata
Slender Smoothtail
Epistrophella emarginata is a common North American hoverfly (family Syrphidae) with larvae that are specialized aphid predators. The species is notable for its distinctive egg-laying behavior: females oviposit specifically on leaf petioles rather than on aphid-infested foliage or other substrates. This species is widely distributed across the United States, Canada, and extends into Mexico and Central America.
Episyrphus balteatus
marmalade hoverfly, marmalade hover fly
Episyrphus balteatus, commonly known as the marmalade hoverfly, is a small (9–12 mm) syrphid fly native to the Palaearctic region. It is considered the most abundant native hoverfly in Central Europe. Adults are significant pollinators of flowering plants, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, consuming up to approximately 400 aphids before pupation. The species exhibits partial migratory behavior, with some individuals moving southward in autumn while others overwinter locally.
Eristalinae
Drone Flies and Allies
Eristalinae is a subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately nine tribes and notable for exceptional Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. Adults are important pollinators, while larvae exhibit the greatest habitat diversity among hoverflies, occupying aquatic environments, decaying organic matter, sap runs, and even wasp nests. The subfamily includes the well-known drone fly (Eristalis tenax), whose larvae—called rat-tailed maggots—possess an extendable posterior breathing siphon.
Eristalini
Rat-tail Maggot Flies
Eristalini is a tribe of hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by larvae known as "rat-tailed maggots," which possess a posterior telescopic breathing siphon. Several species are notable hymenopteran mimics: Eristalis species resemble honeybees, while Helophilus and Parhelophilus display wasp-like yellow and black striping. Adults function as pollinators, while larvae inhabit aquatic or semi-aquatic environments rich in decaying organic matter.
Eristalinus
Lagoon Flies
Eristalinus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) characterized by distinctive spotted or banded eye patterns in most species. These stout, nimble fliers are distributed across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with several species becoming widespread invasives outside their native ranges. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with molecular and morphological studies reorganizing former subgenera Eristalodes and Lathyrophthalmus into two primary clades. Species such as E. taeniops and E. aeneus are notable for their rapid global spread and potential as managed pollinators in agricultural systems.
Eristalinus aeneus
Common Lagoon Fly
Eristalinus aeneus is a hoverfly (Syrphidae) with subcosmopolitan distribution, commonly found in freshwater habitats including coastal lagoons, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Adults are effective pollinators of crops including watermelon and mango, and have been evaluated as managed pollinators in protected agriculture. The species exhibits distinctive patterned eyes with black spots, metallic coloration, and rapid hovering flight. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with decaying organic matter, possessing a characteristic extensible breathing siphon.
Eristalis
Drone Flies, Droneflies
Eristalis is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 99 species. Adults are commonly called drone flies due to their resemblance to honeybee drones, a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larvae, known as rat-tailed maggots, are aquatic and possess an extendable breathing siphon that allows them to inhabit oxygen-depleted environments such as stagnant water, sewage, and decomposing organic matter. Adults are important generalist pollinators, with some species proposed as managed alternatives to honey bees for agricultural pollination.
Eristalis anthophorina
orange-spotted drone fly
Eristalis anthophorina, the orange-spotted drone fly, is a syrphid fly with Holarctic distribution. Adults reach approximately 15 mm in length and are notable mimics of bumblebees. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats including bogs, fens, and woodland pools. It has been observed visiting flowers of Verbena hastata, Salix myricoides, and Hesperis matronalis.
Eristalis arbustorum
Eurasian Drone Fly, European Drone Fly
Eristalis arbustorum is a sexually dimorphic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Females closely mimic small, dark mining bees (Andrenidae), while males exhibit less specific mimicry of wasps and other yellow-black Hymenoptera. The species is abundant across the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced to North America. Adults are important pollinators that visit diverse flowering plants, while larvae are aquatic filter-feeders known as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their elongated posterior breathing siphon. The species is known to be migratory in Europe, with populations overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
Eristalis bellardii
Mexican mountain drone fly
Eristalis bellardii is an uncommon syrphid fly species first described in 1867. It is found in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of honeybees, with adults visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Larval biology remains unknown.
Eristalis brousii
Hourglass Drone Fly
Eristalis brousii, commonly known as the hourglass drone fly, is a hoverfly species first described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1882. The species has experienced severe population decline across North America following the introduction of the European congener Eristalis arbustorum near Toronto around 1885. As of 2019, it persists only along the lake margin of Hudson Bay in Northern Canada, making it one of the most geographically restricted hoverflies on the continent. Like other Eristalis species, adults are pollinators while larvae develop as aquatic filter-feeders.
Eristalis cryptarum
Bog-dwelling Drone Fly, Bog Hoverfly
Eristalis cryptarum is a Holarctic hoverfly species specializing in bog and wetland habitats. It is notable for its restricted distribution and significant population declines across Europe, with extirpation from much of its former English range and critical endangerment in Denmark. The species exhibits classic Eristalis morphology with distinctive coloration and is a member of the drone fly group, though it is not a bee mimic to the same degree as some congeners. Its larvae are assumed to be aquatic filter-feeders in saturated peat, though they remain undescribed.
Eristalis flavipes
orange-legged drone fly
Eristalis flavipes, commonly known as the orange-legged drone fly, is a North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are striking mimics of bumblebees, measuring 13–17 mm in length, with abundant bright yellow pile on a black body and distinctive orange-red legs. The species is active from early April through mid-October, occurring across diverse habitats with particular affinity for wetlands. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that filter-feed in standing water.