Hoverfly
Guides
Lycastrirhyncha
neotropical flower flies, neotropical hoverflies
Lycastrirhyncha is a genus of neotropical hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising five described species. The genus was established by Bigot in 1859 with L. nitens as the type species. At least one species, L. nitens, has been documented as a flower visitor in wetland habitats, where it forages on Pontederia sagittata inflorescences. Observations indicate temporal variation in foraging behavior correlated with nectar availability.
Lycastrirhyncha nitens
Lycastrirhyncha nitens is a hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae) first described by Bigot in 1859. It is known from floral visitation studies on Pontederia sagittata (arrowhead water hyacinth), where it exhibits temporal variation in foraging behavior correlated with nectar availability. The species has been documented in wetland habitats across Brazil, with GBIF records indicating presence in all 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District.
Mallota
Mimic Flies
Mallota is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing approximately 30 described species. Adults are well known for their robust, bee-like appearance, functioning as mimics of bumble bees (Bombus species). The genus has been documented from North America, Europe, and Asia. Larvae develop in water-filled tree holes and other decaying wood cavities.
Mallota bautias
Bare-eyed Bee-mimic Fly
Mallota bautias is a hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to eastern North America. The species is notable for its exceptional mimicry of bumblebees (genus Bombus), particularly Bombus pennsylvanicus, serving as a classic example of Batesian mimicry in which a harmless species evolves to resemble a stinging model. Adult flies are pollinators, while larvae develop in tree holes filled with water. The species has been the subject of behavioral studies examining how avian predators respond to the mimic and its model.
Megasyrphus catalina
Yellow-legged Gossamer
Megasyrphus catalina is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1930. The species is known by the common name 'Yellow-legged Gossamer.' As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae and tribe Syrphini, it belongs to a diverse group of flies commonly known as flower flies or hoverflies, many of which are important pollinators. The specific epithet 'catalina' likely references the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona, suggesting a southwestern North American distribution. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Megasyrphus laxus
black-legged gossamer fly, Black-legged Gossamer
Megasyrphus laxus, the black-legged gossamer fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species found across North America. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is capable of hovering flight. Larval stages remain undescribed.
Melangyna
Halfbands
Melangyna is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with subgenera in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. Adults are frequent flower visitors, while larvae are predatory on aphids. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in behavior and morphology, with males typically larger than females and showing distinct foraging and habitat exploration patterns.
Melangyna arctica
Alder Halfband
Melangyna arctica is a Holarctic hoverfly species distributed across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. The species is strongly associated with coniferous and deciduous woodlands, where adults visit flowers of trees and herbs during spring. Larvae develop as predators on aphids in arboreal habitats.
Melangyna coei
Coe's Halfband
Melangyna coei is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Nielsen in 1971. The species is known from Norway and Sweden, and has been assigned the common name 'Coe's Halfband' in iNaturalist. As a member of the genus Melangyna, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized hoverflies commonly associated with coniferous and mixed forests.
Melangyna lasiophthalma
Hairy-eyed Halfband
Melangyna lasiophthalma is a Holarctic hoverfly species with a broad distribution across northern temperate regions. Adults are active in spring, visiting diverse flowering plants in wooded and semi-open habitats. The species is associated with deciduous and coniferous forests, riparian woodlands, and anthropogenic environments including gardens and orchards.
Melangyna umbellatarum
Bare-winged Halfband
Melangyna umbellatarum is a Holarctic hoverfly species with a transcontinental distribution spanning Eurasia and North America. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive orange leg markings and pale thoracic hairs that distinguish them from similar congeners. The species is strongly associated with willow-dominated riparian habitats and has a documented flight period from May through September.
Melanostoma
Melanostoma is a large genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) established by Schiner in 1860. Members of this genus are small, slender flies with relatively simple coloration compared to many other syrphids. Biological information remains limited; adults have been observed visiting flowers, while larvae are suspected to be general predators of small insects in leaf litter and ground-level vegetation.
Melanostoma mellinum
Variable Duskyface Fly
Melanostoma mellinum is a widespread and abundant hoverfly species native to the Palearctic region, with introduced populations in North America. It is one of the most commonly recorded syrphid flies in Britain and Europe, frequently encountered in agricultural landscapes including vineyards, grasslands, and wetlands. The species has been studied for its response to landscape structure, showing increased abundance in areas with greater proportions of seminatural habitats.
Meligramma cincta
Meligramma cincta is a European hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. The species has a complex taxonomic history, having been placed in multiple genera including Melangyna, Meligramma (as either a separate genus or subgenus), and Fagisyrphus by different authorities. It is one of approximately 529 observation records on iNaturalist.
Meligramma guttata
Spotted Roundtail
Meligramma guttata is a Holarctic species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is commonly known as the Spotted Roundtail. The species has been recorded across parts of Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. As a member of the Syrphidae, it likely exhibits the typical hoverfly behavior of visiting flowers for nectar and pollen, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Meligramma triangulifera
Variable Roundtail
Meligramma triangulifera is a hoverfly species first described from Europe in 1843. Taxonomic revisions have synonymized several Nearctic species names (M. tenuis, M. cincta) under this species, expanding its recognized range. Identification keys exist for both adult and puparial stages. The species has been recorded across Europe and the Nearctic region.
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.
Meromacrus
Elegant Flies
Meromacrus is a genus of 43 species of large, conspicuous hoverflies (Syrphidae) distributed from the southern United States through the Neotropics to northern Argentina and Chile. Adults are frequent flower visitors and pollinators. Larvae are saprophagous, developing in decaying plant matter including rot holes, decaying stems, and rotting cacti.
Milesia
Giant Flower Flies
Milesia is a genus of very large hoverflies (family Syrphidae) known for their striking resemblance to social wasps. Adults are among the largest flower flies, with body lengths reaching 18–28.5 mm. The genus is notable for Batesian mimicry of hornets and yellowjackets, including similar coloration and a loud droning buzz. At least three species occur in North America: M. virginiensis (eastern North America), M. bella (southwestern U.S.), and M. scutellata (southeastern U.S.).
Milesia scutellata
Yellow-backed Giant
Milesia scutellata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hull in 1924. It belongs to the genus Milesia, which includes several large, wasp-mimicking species found in North America. The species is known from the southeastern United States, ranging from southeast Oklahoma to North Carolina. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging wasps, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Mixogaster breviventris
Slender Ant Fly
Mixogaster breviventris is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae. The species was described by Kahl in 1897. It is known by the common name Slender Ant Fly. As a member of the Microdontinae, it belongs to a group of hoverflies whose larvae are associated with ant colonies.
Mixogaster fattigi
Fattig's Ant Fly
Mixogaster fattigi is a species of ant-mimicking hoverfly (family Syrphidae, subfamily Microdontinae) described in 2019. The genus Mixogaster belongs to the tribe Microdontini, a group whose larvae are known to develop within ant colonies as inquilines or predators of ant brood. The specific epithet honors entomologist Delbert La Rue Fattig. The species is part of a lineage exhibiting remarkable morphological convergence with ants, representing an evolutionary strategy to avoid predation while foraging or accessing ant-associated resources.
Monoceromyia
Monoceromyia is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the tribe Cerioidini. Species occur across the Afrotropical, Australasian, Neotropical and Oriental biogeographic regions. The genus is characterized by wasp-mimicking appearance and distinctive morphological traits including widely separated metapleura and modified antennal and abdominal structures.
Monoceromyia floridensis
Rufous Wasp Fly
Monoceromyia floridensis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Shannon in 1922. As a member of the tribe Cerioidini, it belongs to a group of wasp-mimicking syrphid flies. The species is known from Florida and surrounding regions of the southeastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Myathropa
Myathropa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) distributed across Europe, North Africa, and extending into parts of Asia. Adults are active from May to September and are frequently observed visiting flowers. The genus includes at least three described species: M. florea, M. semenovi, and M. usta. Some species exhibit Batesian mimicry of social wasps.
Myathropa florea
Batman hoverfly, Yellow-haired Sun Fly
Myathropa florea is a common Palearctic hoverfly in the tribe Eristalini, often called the Batman hoverfly due to the distinctive skull-like pattern on its thorax. Adults are active flower visitors from May to October and are notable for their wasp-mimicking appearance. The species has become adventive in western North America since 2005. Larvae develop in waterlogged organic detritus, particularly in tree rot holes.
Myolepta lunulata
Poplar-rot Pegleg
Myolepta lunulata is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) first described by Bigot in 1884. It belongs to the tribe Brachyopini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known from limited observations, with records documented through iNaturalist and other biodiversity databases. Its common name, Poplar-rot Pegleg, suggests an association with decaying poplar wood and possibly distinctive leg morphology.
Myolepta nigra
Black Pegleg
Myolepta nigra, commonly known as the Black Pegleg, is a syrphid fly species found in the eastern and central United States and eastern Canada. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in rot holes of deciduous trees, making this species dependent on mature forest habitats with suitable tree cavities. It is considered uncommon throughout its range.
Myolepta pretiosa
Myolepta pretiosa is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Hull in 1923. It belongs to the tribe Brachyopini, a group characterized by larvae that develop in decaying wood and sap runs. The genus Myolepta comprises relatively uncommon species with limited documented observations.
Myolepta strigilata
Scaled Pegleg
Myolepta strigilata, commonly known as the Scaled Pegleg, is an uncommon syrphid fly found in the eastern and central United States. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species is part of the hoverfly family, capable of sustained hovering flight. Larvae of the genus develop in rot holes of deciduous trees.
Myolepta varipes
Orange-banded Pegleg, Orange-banded Spineleg
Myolepta varipes is an uncommon syrphid fly found in the eastern United States. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished by orange banding on the legs. Larvae of the genus develop in rot holes of deciduous trees.
Nausigaster
Nausigaster is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) endemic to the New World, containing approximately 15 described species. The genus was established by Williston in 1884. Larvae have been documented developing in decaying cacti and bromeliads, suggesting a specialized association with these plant substrates. Adult records span from Argentina to Mexico, with recent collections extending known distributions in Colombia and Argentina.
Nausigaster geminata
Armored Dimpleback
Nausigaster geminata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Merodontini. It is commonly known as the Armored Dimpleback. The species was described by Townsend in 1897. As a syrphid fly, it likely exhibits typical hoverfly behaviors including flower visitation for nectar and pollen feeding, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Nausigaster scutellaris
Plain-winged Dimpleback
Nausigaster scutellaris is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Merodontini, described by Adams in 1904. The common name "Plain-winged Dimpleback" has been assigned to this species on iNaturalist, though published biological information remains sparse. As a member of the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies whose larvae typically develop in decaying organic matter or other moist substrates.
Nausigaster unimaculata
Single-spotted Dimpleback
A syrphid fly in the tribe Merodontini, characterized by a single prominent spot on the abdomen. The species is documented across multiple sources and has accumulated over 100 research-grade observations. It belongs to a genus of small hoverflies commonly known as dimplebacks.
Neoascia
Fen Flies
Neoascia is a genus of small hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by black and yellow or mostly black coloration with a narrow, wasp-like waist between the thorax and abdomen. Adults are typically found in damp, low-vegetation habitats including fens, marshes, and pond margins. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records across Northern and Central Europe, Western Siberia, and Scandinavia. Larvae are saprophagous, developing in wet organic matter such as decaying vegetation, compost, and wet manure associated with aquatic margins.
Neoascia metallica
Double-banded Fen Fly
Neoascia metallica is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across North America. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is known for its metallic coloration and association with wetland habitats. Larvae are aquatic, a trait that distinguishes this species from many other syrphid flies.
Neoascia tenur
Black-kneed Fen Fly
Neoascia tenur is a small Palearctic hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-kneed Fen Fly. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats across northern and central Europe, extending into Siberia. Adults are active from spring through early autumn and visit flowers of wetland plants. The larvae develop sub-aquatically within the stem sheaths of emergent aquatic vegetation such as cattails (Typha).
Neocnemodon
Smoothleg fly
Neocnemodon is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, distributed across North America and Europe. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized flies with distinctive smooth legs, a trait reflected in their common name 'Smoothleg fly'. The genus was established by Goffe in 1944 and is classified within the tribe Pipizini. Larvae are known to be predatory, feeding on specific aphid species associated with various host plants.
Nuntianus cubanus
Nuntianus cubanus is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) endemic to Cuba. Originally described as Baccha cubana by Hull in 1943, it was later transferred to the genus Nuntianus. The genus Nuntianus is a small group of Neotropical hoverflies characterized by elongated bodies and reduced wing venation. Information on the biology and ecology of this species remains limited.
Ocyptamus
Ocyptamus is a large and diverse genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 200 species, predominantly distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is not monophyletic and is paraphyletic with respect to Eosalpingogaster and Toxomerus; several subgenera have been elevated to full generic status (Hybobathus, Pelecinobaccha, Orphnabaccha, Pseudoscaeva). Many species await formal description, while others are likely to be synonymized upon further study.
Ornidia
jewel flies
Ornidia is a small genus of metallic hoverflies (Syrphidae) native to the New World. Species range from 2.3–4.2 mm in body length and display distinctive metallic coloration. Ornidia obesa, the most widespread species, has been introduced to the Pacific, Asia, and Africa through human commerce. The genus comprises four described species.
Ornidia obesa
Green Jewel Fly
Ornidia obesa is a metallic green syrphid fly widely distributed across the Americas and introduced to the Old World. Adults are frequently observed in association with decomposing organic matter, particularly animal feces and compost. The species has been documented as a host for pteromalid parasitoids and is noted for harboring bacteria of public health significance.
Orphnabaccha
Orphnabaccha is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, native to the Neotropical region. The genus was reinstated by Hull in 1949 and later redefined when molecular studies showed that the formerly broad genus Ocyptamus was not monophyletic, leading to the split of several distinct genera including Orphnabaccha.
Orphnabaccha coerulea
A species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Williston in 1891. The genus Orphnabaccha is part of the diverse Syrphinae subfamily, whose members are commonly known as flower flies. Species in this genus are typically associated with tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Orphnabaccha jactator
Yellow-legged Hover Fly
Orphnabaccha jactator is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-legged Hover Fly. It belongs to a small genus of syrphid flies characterized by distinctive leg coloration. The species was described by Hermann Loew in 1861. Like other members of Syrphidae, it is likely a pollinator as an adult, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Orthonevra bellula
Three-lined Mucksucker
Orthonevra bellula is a rare species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Williston in 1882 as Chrysogater bellulus, with a lectotype later designated. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extend into the Neotropical region. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen.
Orthonevra flukei
Fluke's Mucksucker
Orthonevra flukei is an uncommon syrphid fly species known from the Western United States. Males measure approximately 4.5 mm and females 5.5 mm. The species exhibits distinctive metallic coloration on the head and thorax, with complex wing venation patterns that include clouded areas and brown spots. Like other members of its genus, it possesses rat-tailed larvae, though specific larval habitat preferences for this species remain undocumented.
Orthonevra nitida
Wavy Mucksucker
Orthonevra nitida, commonly known as the Wavy Mucksucker, is a small syrphid fly (4–5 mm) native to eastern and central North America. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extends into the Neotropical region. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blooms. The species exhibits distinctive metallic coloration and wing markings that aid in identification. Larvae of this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though O. nitida larvae specifically have not been described.
Orthonevra pictipennis
Dusky-veined Mucksucker
Orthonevra pictipennis, known as the Dusky-veined Mucksucker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in North America. Adults are small flower flies, measuring 5.5–6 mm in length, with distinctive metallic bronze-green and coppery coloration. The species shares much of its range with congeners O. pulchella, O. nitida, and O. feei. Larvae for this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though larvae of O. pictipennis specifically have not been described.