Hoverfly
Guides
Eristalis fratercula
Eristalis fratercula is a species of drone fly in the family Syrphidae, described by McNeill. It belongs to a genus of hoverflies known for Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. The species is listed in grasshopper survey records from Colorado and Wyoming, suggesting it occurs in western North American grasslands. Like other Eristalis species, adults are likely pollinators and larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic organic-rich habitats.
Eristalis gomojunovae
Arctic Drone Fly
A species of hoverfly in the genus Eristalis, commonly known as the Arctic Drone Fly. Described by Violovich in 1977, this species belongs to the drone fly group within the family Syrphidae. Like other Eristalis species, it is presumed to exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees or wasps. The specific epithet honors an individual, following the naming convention for this species. Very limited information exists on its biology and ecology compared to better-studied congeners such as Eristalis tenax.
Eristalis hirta
Black-footed Drone Fly
Eristalis hirta, commonly known as the black-footed drone fly, is a syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1866. It is a common species in Western North America and also occurs in Northern Europe. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of honey bees, providing protection from predators. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders with the characteristic rat-tailed morphology, developing in standing water habitats.
Eristalis interrupta
Eristalis interrupta is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the genus Eristalis. Like other members of this genus, it belongs to a group commonly known as drone flies due to their resemblance to honey bees. The genus Eristalis contains species that are important pollinators and whose larvae are aquatic decomposers found in organic-rich water. Specific details about E. interrupta are limited in the provided sources, though it shares the general characteristics of Eristalis species including Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps.
Eristalis obscura
Dusky Drone Fly
Eristalis obscura, commonly known as the dusky drone fly, is a species of syrphid fly first described by Loew in 1866. It is widespread across northern North America and extends eastward through Europe to Siberia. The species exhibits the characteristic rat-tailed maggot larval form, with aquatic larvae that function as filter-feeders. Like other members of the genus Eristalis, adults are likely bee mimics, though specific documentation of this behavior for E. obscura is limited.
Eristalis rupium
Spot-winged Drone Fly
Eristalis rupium, the spot-winged drone fly, is a European hoverfly species first described by Fabricius in 1805. It is a common species across Europe and uncommon in North America. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of honey bees and serves as an important pollinator. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, inhabiting clear-water streams.
Eristalis saxorum
Blue-polished Drone Fly
Eristalis saxorum is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) native to eastern North America. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blossoms. The species exhibits typical drone fly characteristics, including bee-mimicry and hovering flight behavior. Larvae are presumed to be of the rat-tailed type, though they have not been formally identified for this species. The species is active from mid-March through late October, with adults overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
Eristalis tenax
Common Drone Fly, Drone Fly, Rat-tailed Maggot
Eristalis tenax is a cosmopolitan hoverfly (Syrphidae) and the most widely distributed syrphid species globally, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. Adults are striking mimics of honey bees, exhibiting Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larval stage, known as the rat-tailed maggot, is aquatic and inhabits polluted water containing organic matter, using an elongated posterior siphon for respiration. Adults are important generalist pollinators, particularly of Asteraceae flowers. The species exhibits strong territorial behavior in males and has been documented to cause rare cases of accidental myiasis in humans.
Eristalis transversa
Transverse-banded Drone Fly, Transverse Flower Fly
Eristalis transversa is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1830. Adults are bee mimics, displaying Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera. The species is common in eastern North America and is frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Like other Eristalis species, adults are important pollinators, though specific larval habitat for this species has not been documented.
Eumerus
Lesser Bulb Flies
Eumerus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 281 species. Adults are small to medium (5–12 mm) with distinctive morphological features including a smooth cylindrical abdomen, powerful hind legs with thickened femora, and a flat hairy face. The genus is notable for containing several agricultural pests whose larvae damage bulbs and roots of ornamental and crop plants.
Eumerus funeralis
Lesser Bulb Fly
Eumerus funeralis, commonly known as the Lesser Bulb Fly, is a small hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Originally described from the Mediterranean basin, it has become cosmopolitan in distribution, particularly widespread in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. The species is notable for its phytophagous larvae, which develop in damaged bulbs and are recognized as a minor pest of ornamental plants including Narcissus, Hyacinthus, and Amaryllis.
Eupeodes
Aphideaters, aphideater flies
Eupeodes is a genus of moderate-sized hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as aphideaters. Adults are black with yellow markings and are distributed worldwide. The genus is part of the Syrphini tribe and is frequently mistaken for similar genera. Both life stages serve important ecological functions: larvae are aphid predators, while adults are pollinators.
Eupeodes americanus
American hoverfly, Long-tailed Aphideater
Eupeodes americanus, the American hoverfly, is a Nearctic aphidophagous hoverfly commercialized in Canada as a biological control agent for aphid management. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, with one larva consuming approximately 2,000 aphids during development. The species is notable for its ability to remain active at low temperatures (12–18°C) where other biocontrol agents become inactive. It has been evaluated as a biocontrol agent for greenhouse and field crops including sweet pepper, cucumber, cotton, soybeans, melons, and potatoes.
Eupeodes fumipennis
Western Aphideater
Eupeodes fumipennis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Western Aphideater. As a hoverfly, it is a member of the family Syrphidae, a group known for their distinctive hovering flight and frequent mimicry of bees and wasps. The species name references its smoky or darkened wing coloration. Like many Eupeodes species, it is likely predatory or parasitic in its larval stage, though specific biological details for this species are limited in the provided sources.
Eupeodes latifasciatus
Broad-banded Aphideater, meadow field syrph
Eupeodes latifasciatus is a small hoverfly with wing length 6.5–8.5 mm, distinguished by yellow markings fused into bands on abdominal segments three and four. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowers and serve as pollinators. Larvae are aphid predators, feeding on aphids and scale insects (Hemiptera). The species has a broad distribution across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with flight activity primarily from May to September.
Eupeodes perplexus
bare-winged aphideater
Eupeodes perplexus, commonly known as the bare-winged aphideater, is a hoverfly species native to North America. The species is notable for its distinctive wing venation and abdominal patterning. Adults are nectar feeders, while larvae are predatory, consuming aphids and scale insects. The species is part of the diverse syrphid fauna that contributes to both pollination and biological control in various ecosystems.
Eupeodes pomus
Short-tailed Aphideater
Eupeodes pomus, commonly known as the short-tailed aphideater, is a species of syrphid fly distributed across North America. Adults are flower-visiting insects that feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphid predators. The species belongs to a family noted for wasp-mimicking appearance and hovering flight behavior.
Eurimyia
rat-tail maggot flies, swamp flies
Eurimyia is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing three described species. These flies are commonly known as rat-tail maggot flies due to the distinctive elongated breathing tube of their aquatic larvae. The genus was established by Bigot in 1883 and previously included species now classified under Lejops. Adults are associated with wetland habitats.
Fazia
Fazia is a genus of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, established by Shannon in 1927. The genus belongs to the subfamily Syrphinae and is part of the diverse family of flower flies. Records indicate at least 2,300 observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is a moderately documented group in nature-based citizen science. Specific species-level information remains limited in available sources.
Fazia micrura
Diamond Spottail
Fazia micrura is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Diamond Spottail. First described by Osten Sacken in 1877, it belongs to the tribe Syrphini. The species has been documented through over 1,900 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-recorded. As a member of the hoverfly family, it is presumed to be a pollinator and may exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees or wasps.
Ferdinandea buccata
Common Copperback
Ferdinandea buccata is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Common Copperback. The species was first described by Loew in 1863 under the basionym Chrysochlamys buccata. As a member of the tribe Rhingiini within the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies often associated with particular larval habitat preferences. Adult hoverflies in this genus are typically found in wooded or semi-open habitats where they visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Ferdinandea croesus
Golden Copperback
Ferdinandea croesus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to the tribe Rhingiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known by the common name Golden Copperback and has been documented in North America with observations recorded on citizen science platforms.
Hadromyia aepalius
Sterling Quicksilver
Hadromyia aepalius, known as the Sterling Quicksilver, is a rare hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found in eastern North America. The species exhibits a distinctive shining metallic bronze coloration that gives it its common name. It belongs to a genus of relatively uncommon flower-visiting flies. Observations are sparse, with only five documented records on iNaturalist.
Hadromyia crawfordi
Golden Quicksilver
Hadromyia crawfordi is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to western North America. It is commonly known as the Golden Quicksilver. The species was originally described as Caliprobola crawfordi by Shannon in 1916 and later transferred to the genus Hadromyia. It is one of several species in the genus Hadromyia, which are characterized by their distinctive metallic coloration.
Hadromyia grandis
Bee-like Quicksilver
Hadromyia grandis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bee-like Quicksilver. The species was described by Williston in 1882 and is currently accepted in the genus Hadromyia. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae.
Hadromyia pulchra
Yellow-shielded Quicksilver
Hadromyia pulchra is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) known by the common name Yellow-shielded Quicksilver. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a syrphid fly, it belongs to a group commonly recognized for their bee- or wasp-mimicking appearance and ecological roles as pollinators.
Hammerschmidtia
Hammerschmidtia is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Brachyopini. Larvae develop in sap under the bark of freshly fallen trees, particularly decaying aspen (Populus tremula). The genus includes five described species, with H. ferruginea being endangered in parts of its range due to habitat loss.
Hammerschmidtia rufa
black-bristled logsitter
Hammerschmidtia rufa, known as the black-bristled logsitter, is an uncommon syrphid fly species distributed across North America. Adults are flower flies that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species has been found in association with deciduous trees, with larvae occurring under bark. It was originally described as Hammerschmidtia ferruginea by Curran.
Helophilus
Marsh Flies, Tiger Hoverflies
Helophilus is a genus of moderate to large hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as marsh flies or tiger hoverflies. Adults are notable bee or wasp mimics with distinctive lengthwise yellow stripes on the thorax and transverse bands on the abdomen. Larvae are aquatic "rat-tailed maggots" that filter-feed on microorganisms in organic-rich water. The genus comprises two subgenera: Helophilus and Pilinasica (the latter containing endemic New Zealand species).
Helophilus bottnicus
Gray-banded Marsh Fly
Helophilus bottnicus is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Gray-banded Marsh Fly. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are aquatic, developing in decaying organic matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and often exhibit yellowjacket mimicry with characteristic thoracic striping. The species was described by Wahlberg in 1844 and is recorded from Norway and Sweden.
Helophilus fasciatus
Narrow-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus fasciatus, commonly known as the narrow-headed marsh fly, is a syrphid fly species widespread across the United States and Canada. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in wet, decaying organic matter, particularly accumulations of decaying vegetation in ponds and mud. This species is one of the more frequently observed hoverflies in North America, with over 18,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Helophilus groenlandicus
Black-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus groenlandicus, commonly known as the Black-margined Marsh Fly, is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species occurs across the northern Holarctic region. Larval biology is not directly documented for this species, though related Helophilus species develop in wet decaying organic material with rat-tailed maggot morphology.
Helophilus hybridus
hoverfly
Helophilus hybridus is a Palearctic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive yellow and black abdominal patterning. The species is associated with wetland habitats across northern and central Europe, extending eastward through Russia to the Pacific coast. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with organic matter.
Helophilus intentus
Yellow-legged Marsh Fly
Helophilus intentus is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) in the family Syrphidae. It belongs to the genus Helophilus, whose members are commonly known as marsh flies due to their association with aquatic habitats. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen.
Helophilus lapponicus
Yellow-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus lapponicus is a Holarctic species of hoverfly found across northern North America, northern Europe, Greenland, and Siberia. Adults are medium-sized syrphid flies, 12.5–13.5 mm in length, commonly observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished by yellow abdominal markings and specific wing venation. Larval biology remains undocumented, though congeneric species develop in wet decaying organic matter.
Helophilus latifrons
Broad-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus latifrons, commonly known as the Broad-headed Marsh Fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The larvae are aquatic and develop in decaying submerged vegetation, functioning as decomposers in wetland ecosystems. The species occurs across much of North America including the United States, southern Canada, and mountainous regions of Mexico.
Helophilus neoaffinis
Northwestern Marsh Fly
A syrphid fly species in the genus Helophilus, recognized by iNaturalist as the Northwestern Marsh Fly. As with other members of its genus, it likely exhibits yellowjacket mimicry with vertical yellow stripes on the thorax. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water, characteristic of the 'rat-tailed maggot' form found in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Helophilus obscurus
obscure marsh fly
Helophilus obscurus is a syrphid fly commonly found across Canada, the northern United States, and the Rocky Mountains. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species is part of the marsh fly genus Helophilus, though the larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented. It is one of several North American Helophilus species that exhibit yellowjacket mimicry.
Heringia
Smoothleg Flies
Heringia is a genus of small hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as Smoothleg Flies. Species occur in North America and Europe. Larvae are predatory on specific aphid species, including woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), woolly elm aphid (Schizoneura), and aphids on poplar (Pemphigus) and fir (Dreyfusia). Adults feed on honeydew and pollen. The genus is part of the "little black fly" group, with females generally unidentifiable to species.
Heringia canadensis
Canadian smoothleg
Heringia canadensis, commonly known as the Canadian smoothleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across much of North America. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to the tribe Pipizini, whose larvae are known aphid predators, though specific larval biology for this species remains incompletely documented. It is considered fairly common within its range.
Heringia salax
Eastern Smoothleg, Eastern Smoothleg Fly
Heringia salax, commonly known as the Eastern Smoothleg Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults visit flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids. The species is recorded across North America.
Hiatomyia
Deltawings
Hiatomyia is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) characterized by a distinctive plumose arista and shiny black coloration. The genus contains approximately 22 described species, with authorship dating to Shannon (1922). These flies are relatively poorly known compared to many other syrphid genera, with limited observational data available.
Hypocritanus
Hypocritanus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Miranda in 2020. The genus is found in the Neotropical region and contains at least two described species: H. fascipennis and H. lemur. As a member of the tribe Syrphini, these flies are part of a diverse group of flower-visiting insects.
Laetodon
Laetodon is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Microdontinae, established by Reemer in 2013. The genus belongs to the tribe Microdontini, a group of hoverflies whose larvae develop within ant nests. Laetodon represents one of several genera within this specialized myrmecophilous lineage.
Laetodon laetus
Small Metallic Ant Fly
Laetodon laetus is a small hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, commonly known as the Small Metallic Ant Fly. Members of Microdontinae are myrmecophilous, meaning they have ecological associations with ants. The species exhibits metallic coloration and has been documented in limited observations, with 41 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is infrequently encountered or underreported.
Lapposyrphus
Lapposyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) established by Dušek & Láska in 1967. The genus was historically treated as part of Eupeodes, from which it was later separated based on morphological distinctions. It contains two species: L. lapponicus and L. abberrantis. Members are found in northern and boreal regions of Europe.
Lapposyrphus aberrantis
Western Loopwing Aphideater
Lapposyrphus aberrantis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Charles Howard Curran in 1925. It is commonly known as the Western Loopwing Aphideater. The genus Lapposyrphus comprises aphidophagous hoverflies, and this species follows the general ecological pattern of the group. Observations are relatively sparse, with 54 records on iNaturalist.
Lejota cyanea
Cobalt Trunksitter
Lejota cyanea, commonly known as the cobalt trunksitter, is an uncommon syrphid fly found in northeastern and western North America. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in decaying tree roots, a trait characteristic of the genus Lejota.
Lepidomyia micheneri
Michner's Scaleback
Lepidomyia micheneri is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Fluke in 1953. It belongs to the tribe Brachyopini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known from very few observations, with only two records documented on iNaturalist. It is commonly referred to as "Michner's Scaleback."
Leucozona velutina
Western Hoary
Leucozona velutina is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the order Diptera. The species was described by Williston in 1882. Like other syrphid flies, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The genus Leucozona includes species that are often associated with woodland and forest edge habitats.