Hoverfly
Guides
Palpada agrorum
Double-banded Plushback
Palpada agrorum is a common syrphid fly commonly known as the Double-banded Plushback. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, possessing an extensible posterior breathing siphon. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and belongs to the agrorum species group within the genus Palpada.
Palpada albifrons
White-faced Plushback
Palpada albifrons is a rare species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) characterized by its distinctive white-faced appearance and aquatic larval stage. Adults are medium-sized flower flies commonly found on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species has a disjunct distribution, occurring from Mexico northward along coastal areas of the United States, with additional records from South America. The larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that inhabit organic-rich standing water.
Palpada mexicana
Golden Plushback
Palpada mexicana, commonly known as the Golden Plushback, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species was originally described as Eristalis mexicanus by Macquart in 1847 and later transferred to the genus Palpada. As a member of the tribe Eristalini, its larvae are rat-tailed maggots adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with low oxygen levels. The species has been documented in 1,829 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is relatively well-represented in citizen science records.
Palpada pusilla
Bicolored Plushback
Palpada pusilla is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bicolored Plushback. It is a member of the tribe Eristalini, which includes species whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their distinctive posterior breathing siphon. The species has been documented across all 27 states of Brazil based on distribution records. Adult flies are pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic environments.
Palpada texana
Wide-eyed Plushback
Palpada texana is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats typical of the Eristalina subtribe. The species was described by Hull in 1925. Adults are presumably pollinators, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Palpada undescribed-species-near-furcata
An undescribed species in the hoverfly genus Palpada, closely related to P. furcata. As a member of tribe Eristalini, its larvae are rat-tailed maggots—aquatic larvae with an extensible posterior breathing siphon that allows respiration while living in oxygen-poor, organic-rich waters. The genus Palpada includes species commonly found in urban, suburban, and rural areas in putrid standing water.
Paragus
Grass Skimmer Flies
Paragus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 100 species distributed worldwide except Antarctica. The genus is notable for its predatory larvae that feed on aphids, making it an important group for biological control. Adults are frequently observed visiting small flowering plants for nectar and pollen. Several subgenera are recognized, including Afroparagus, Pandasyopthalmus, Paragus, and Serratoparagus.
Paragus angustifrons
Narrow-faced Grass Skimmer
Paragus angustifrons is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found in North America. Adults are commonly known as flower flies and visit flowers to obtain nectar and pollen. The species is considered uncommon. The larvae have been reared from aphids, specifically Aphis spiraecola and Aphis spiraephila, indicating a role as a predator of these agricultural pests.
Paragus haemorrhous
Black-backed Grass Skimmer, Common Grass Skimmer
Paragus haemorrhous is a small hoverfly species distributed across Europe, Africa, and the Nearctic. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids on low herbaceous plants. The species is active from May through September and occupies diverse open habitats including grasslands, heathlands, and forest edges.
Parasyrphus
Bristleside Flies
Parasyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising 31 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Adults are small to medium-sized (5.6–11 mm) with characteristic yellow abdominal markings. The genus exhibits notable larval trophic diversity: most known larvae are aphid predators on trees, while at least two species (P. nigritarsis and P. melanderi) are specialist predators of leaf beetle eggs and larvae. This dietary specialization is unusual among syrphid flies and involves sophisticated chemical ecology where predators exploit prey defensive secretions as foraging cues.
Parasyrphus genualis
Common Bristleside
Parasyrphus genualis is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Williston in 1887. It was originally described under the genus Syrphus before being moved to Parasyrphus. The species has been documented in North America with at least 21 observations on iNaturalist. As a member of Syrphidae, it belongs to a family known for pollination services and, in many species, predatory larvae that feed on aphids.
Parasyrphus relictus
Parasyrphus relictus is a hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. The genus Parasyrphus comprises predatory hoverflies whose larvae feed on aphids. This species has been recorded in northern Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. As with other members of its genus, it likely occupies temperate woodland and wetland habitats where aphid prey are abundant.
Parasyrphus semiinterruptus
Emarginate Bristleside
Parasyrphus semiinterruptus is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Fluke in 1935. The species is known by the common name Emarginate Bristleside. It belongs to the genus Parasyrphus, a group of small to medium-sized hoverflies. Available records for this species are limited, with few documented observations.
Parasyrphus tarsatus
Holarctic Bristleside
Parasyrphus tarsatus is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. It is native to Europe, with confirmed records from Norway and Sweden. The species is part of the diverse genus Parasyrphus, which comprises predatory syrphid flies whose larvae feed on aphids. Adults are likely active during the warmer months, though specific phenological details remain poorly documented.
Parhelophilus divisus
Yellow-legged Bog Fly
Parhelophilus divisus is a rare syrphid fly species known as the yellow-legged bog fly, documented primarily from the northeastern United States. The species exhibits the characteristic hoverfly ability to remain nearly motionless in flight. Adults are flower-associated, feeding on nectar and pollen, while larvae possess the distinctive long-tailed "rat-tailed" morphology typical of many Eristalinae.
Parhelophilus integer
Shiny Bog Fly
Parhelophilus integer, commonly known as the shiny bog fly, is a rare syrphid fly species found in the Eastern United States. Adults are flower-associated, feeding on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits typical hoverfly flight behavior, capable of remaining nearly motionless in flight. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with the characteristic long-tailed 'rat-tailed' morphology shared by other members of the genus.
Parhelophilus laetus
Common Bog Fly
Parhelophilus laetus is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Common Bog Fly. It is associated with wetland habitats, particularly bogs and marshes. The species is found in North America, with records from the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada.
Parhelophilus obsoletus
Unadorned Bog Fly
Parhelophilus obsoletus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across Canada and the northeastern and central United States. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is considered fairly common within its range. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Parhelophilus rex
Dusky Bog Fly
Parhelophilus rex, commonly known as the Dusky Bog Fly, is a syrphid fly species described by Curran and Fluke in 1922. It occurs in northern North America and is considered fairly common within its range. Like other hoverflies, adults are capable of nearly motionless flight and are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Pelecinobaccha
A genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, endemic to the Neotropical region. Formerly treated as part of the paraphyletic genus Ocyptamus, it was reinstated as a distinct genus based on phylogenetic evidence. The genus contains four species groups and approximately 49 species, many described in a 2014 revision. Adults are presumably pollinators like other syrphid flies, though specific biological data remain poorly documented.
Pelecinobaccha costata
Cobalt Hover Fly
Pelecinobaccha costata, commonly known as the cobalt hover fly, is a North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species is recognized by its distinctive coloration and is distributed across southern Ontario and the eastern United States. Its larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, making it a beneficial species in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Pelecocera
Pelecocera is a Holarctic genus of small hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 14 species. Adults are typically black and yellow or orange, found primarily in heathland and conifer forest habitats. Larval biology has been historically poorly known, but recent studies confirm mycophagy in at least two species, with larvae developing inside the hypogean fungal fruit bodies of Rhizopogon luteolus.
Pelecocera pergandei
Eastern Bighorn Fly
Pelecocera pergandei is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Eastern Bighorn Fly. It belongs to the tribe Rhingiini within the hoverfly family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1884. Records of this species remain sparse, with limited observational data available.
Pipiza
Pitheads
Pipiza is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) containing approximately 12 European species. Adults are predominantly dark-colored and resemble small bees or wasps. The genus is notable for its specialized larval ecology: larvae are predaceous, feeding exclusively on gall-forming aphids on foliage. Species show strong association with forested landscapes, particularly deciduous forests and forest edges. Climate modeling indicates high distributional stability across Europe, with potential northward shifts in species diversity.
Pipiza femoralis
White-haired Pithead
Pipiza femoralis is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) first described by Loew in 1866. It belongs to the tribe Pipizini, a group of small to medium-sized hoverflies. The common name "White-haired Pithead" has been recorded for this species. As with other members of the genus Pipiza, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and aphid honeydew as adult food sources, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pipiza puella
Sumac Gall Pithead
Pipiza puella is a small hoverfly (Syrphidae) known by the common name 'sumac gall pithead.' Adults are active flower visitors, feeding on nectar and pollen. The species has been documented in eastern and central North America as well as Norway. Larvae are reported to be aphid predators, though detailed life history information remains limited.
Pipiza quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Pipiza
Pipiza quadrimaculata is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, first described by Georg Wolfgang Franz Panzer in 1802. The species epithet "quadrimaculata" (meaning "four-spotted") refers to characteristic markings on the wings or body. It belongs to the tribe Pipizini, a group of small to medium-sized hoverflies often associated with woodland and wetland habitats. The species has been recorded in Belgium with presence confirmed across multiple administrative regions.
Pipizinae
Pitheads & Kin
Pipizinae is a subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) containing approximately 70 species across eight extant genera. Formerly classified as a tribe within Eristalinae, molecular phylogenetic studies published in 2015 reinstated it as a distinct subfamily, sister to Syrphinae. Members are small to medium-sized flies, predominantly black in coloration with some species displaying orange abdominal markings. The subfamily is notable for its specialized larval predation on aphids, particularly wax-secreting species.
Platycheirus
Sedgesitters
Platycheirus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) commonly known as sedgesitters. The genus was established in 1828 and is primarily Holarctic in distribution, with approximately 110 species in the Palearctic and 70 in the Nearctic region. Species are slender, small to medium-sized flies, often with distinctive leg modifications in males used for species identification.
Platycheirus confusus
Confusing Sedgesitter
Platycheirus confusus, commonly known as the Confusing Sedgesitter, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution with separate eastern and western North American populations. Larvae have been successfully reared on the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae), indicating a predatory lifestyle. Adults are medium-sized syrphid flies with distinctive morphological features useful for identification.
Platycheirus hyperboreus
Pearly Sedgesitter
Platycheirus hyperboreus, commonly known as the Pearly Sedgesitter, is a small hoverfly (Syrphidae) distributed across boreal and arctic regions of North America and northern Europe. Adults are 5.3–8.7 mm in length and exhibit distinctive abdominal patterning with pale spots on dark segments. The species is recognized by its modified front legs, which are yellow with gradually dilated tibiae—an adaptation associated with its common name. It occurs in northern latitudes ranging from Alaska and Greenland through Scandinavia to northern Siberia.
Platycheirus kelloggi
Broad-bodied Sedgesitter
Platycheirus kelloggi is a rare species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) endemic to western North America. The species is distinguished by its broad, oval abdomen with dull orange spots and distinctive leg morphology in males. It has been documented from Alaska south to southern California and in the Rocky Mountains, including Canada.
Platycheirus quadratus
Platycheirus quadratus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the genus Platycheirus, a diverse group of small to medium-sized hoverflies commonly found in temperate regions. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in current taxonomic databases. Like other syrphid flies, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar.
Platycheirus scutatus
hoverfly
Platycheirus scutatus is a very common Holarctic hoverfly with a wide distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are notable pollinators that feed on diverse flowers, while larvae are aphid predators. The species has an exceptionally long flight period and may remain active during cold weather. Multiple broods occur throughout warmer months.
Platycheirus stegnus
Greater Punctate Sedgesitter
Platycheirus stegnus is a hoverfly (Syrphidae) commonly known as the Greater Punctate Sedgesitter. It belongs to a genus characterized by elongated legs and distinctive wing venation. Like other syrphids, adults are likely nectar feeders, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1829.
Platycheirus thylax
Yellow-legged Sedgesitter
Platycheirus thylax is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Hull in 1944. It is commonly known as the Yellow-legged Sedgesitter. Like other members of the genus Platycheirus, it is a small fly associated with wetland vegetation. The species is rarely recorded, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Pocota bomboides
American Pocota
Pocota bomboides is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to North America. The species name "bomboides" suggests a resemblance to bumble bees (Bombus), indicating likely Batesian mimicry. As a member of the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a diverse group of flower-visiting flies. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Polybiomyia bellardii
Red-legged Wasp Fly
A small hoverfly (Syrphidae) known for its striking wasp-mimicking appearance. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, with a slender body and contrasting coloration. Adults have been documented across multiple observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The common name refers to its distinctive red leg coloration.
Polybiomyia macquarti
Short-horned Wasp Fly
Polybiomyia macquarti is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Shannon in 1925. It is known by the common name Short-horned Wasp Fly. As a member of the tribe Cerioidini, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies that exhibit wasp mimicry. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and GBIF with accepted taxonomic status. Available records from iNaturalist indicate it is rarely observed, with only 12 documented observations.
Polybiomyia townsendi
Yellowshield Wasp Fly
Polybiomyia townsendi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Cerioidini. It is commonly known as the Yellowshield Wasp Fly. The species was described by Snow in 1895 and is currently accepted as valid. Like other members of the genus Polybiomyia, it is a wasp-mimicking syrphid fly. The genus belongs to a group of hoverflies that exhibit Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera.
Polydontomyia
dimorphic sickleleg
Polydontomyia is a monotypic genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing a single species, Polydontomyia curvipes. The genus was established by Williston in 1896 and was formerly classified under Lejops. The species is commonly known as the dimorphic sickleleg, a reference to its distinctive leg morphology.
Polydontomyia curvipes
Dimorphic Sickleleg
Polydontomyia curvipes, commonly known as the dimorphic sickleleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) and the sole member of its monotypic genus. Formerly classified under Lejops, it was reassigned to the resurrected genus Polydontomyia based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in leg structure, with males possessing the distinctive curved hind legs referenced in its specific epithet. As a member of the Eristalini tribe, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats typical of rat-tail maggot flies.
Pseudoscaeva
Pseudoscaeva is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) endemic to the Neotropical region. The genus was erected by Vockeroth in 1969 to accommodate species formerly placed in Ocyptamus, which was determined to be polyphyletic. Four species are currently recognized: P. diversifasciata, P. meridionalis, P. schoenemanni, and P. sericea. At least one species, P. meridionalis, has been introduced to Chile and is considered potentially invasive.
Pseudoscaeva diversifasciata
Silver-banded Hover Fly
Pseudoscaeva diversifasciata, commonly known as the Silver-banded Hover Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The genus Pseudoscaeva contains relatively few species and is distinguished from the similar genus Scaeva by subtle morphological differences. This species exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, a common trait among syrphid flies. Observations suggest it occurs in the Americas, though detailed natural history documentation remains limited.
Pterallastes
Pterallastes is a genus of bee-mimicking hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Loew in 1863. The genus contains four recognized species with a disjunct distribution: one species in North America (P. thoracicus), one in Japan (P. unicolor), and two in China (P. bomboides, P. bettyae). These flies exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees, a common defensive strategy in the subfamily Eristalinae.
Pterallastes thoracicus
goldenback fly, Orangeback syrphid fly
Pterallastes thoracicus is a syrphid fly commonly known as the goldenback fly or orangeback syrphid fly. It is an uncommon species observed across central and eastern United States, with recent records expanding its known range into Canada. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae of this species remain unknown.
Pyritis
Pyritis is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, established by Hunter in 1897. The genus contains at least one confirmed species, P. kincaidii, described by Coquillett in 1895. As a member of the tribe Eristalini, it belongs to a group of flower-visiting flies commonly known as drone flies. The genus remains poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Pyritis kincaidii
Halcyon
Pyritis kincaidii is a hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini. It is known by the common name "Halcyon" and was described by Coquillett in 1895. As a member of Syrphidae, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Pyrophaena granditarsis
Hornhand Sedgesitter
Pyrophaena granditarsis is a small hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Hornhand Sedgesitter. The species is recognized by its distinctive enlarged hind tarsi in males. It is associated with wetland habitats, particularly sedge-dominated areas. The species has been documented across northern temperate regions with 463 iNaturalist observations.
Rhingia nasica
American Snout Fly
Rhingia nasica is a North American species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are recognized by their distinctive elongated snout, a trait shared with other members of the genus Rhingia. Larval development occurs in association with animal dung. The species is commonly observed across the eastern and central United States.