Hoverfly
Guides
Teuchocnemis bacuntius
Orange Spur Fly
Teuchocnemis bacuntius is a rare species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Orange Spur Fly. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies distinguished by orange coloration and sexually dimorphic leg modifications. The species has been documented in the eastern United States with historical records from Georgia and Texas, though it remains poorly known with larvae undescribed.
Toxomerus
Calligrapher Flies
Toxomerus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) distributed across the Americas, with over 130 described Neotropical species and additional Nearctic endemics. Species are small (typically 6–9 mm), characterized by large eyes with posterior indentation and diagnostic abdominal patterns. Most larvae are predatory on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, though at least three species are known pollen-feeders. Adults are pollinivorous, feeding on nectar and pollen from diverse flowering plants. The genus includes notable ecological specialists such as Toxomerus basalis, a kleptoparasite of sundews (Drosera), and several species introduced to the Afrotropics.
hoverflyflower-flyaphid-predatorpollinatorbiological-controlHymenoptera-mimickleptoparasiteintroduced-speciesNeotropicalNearcticAfrotropical-introductionpolyvoltineSyrphiniSyrphinaeDipteraSyrphidaeToxomerus-marginatusToxomerus-disparToxomerus-pulchellusToxomerus-basalisToxomerus-floralisToxomerus-politusToxomerus-apegiensisDroserasundewpollenivorypredatory-larvaeurban-adapteragricultural-beneficialcryptic-larvaeeye-dimorphismterritorial-behaviorDNA-barcodingcitizen-sciencemuseum-collectionsrange-expansionconservation-concernToxomerus dispar
Dark-sided Calligrapher
Toxomerus dispar is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Dark-sided Calligrapher. The species was described by Fabricius in 1794. It belongs to the diverse genus Toxomerus, which includes numerous small to medium-sized hoverflies often recognized by their distinctive abdominal patterning. As a member of Syrphidae, this species is likely involved in pollination and may exhibit larval predation on small arthropods, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Toxomerus floralis
Florida Calligrapher
Toxomerus floralis is a New World hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through South America. The species has been introduced to tropical Africa, where it is now established and widespread in West and Central Africa including Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It represents only the second known established introduction of a non-African hoverfly species in the Afrotropics.
Toxomerus marginatus
Margined Calligrapher, Margined Calligrapher Fly
Toxomerus marginatus is a common North American hoverfly (Syrphidae) measuring 5–6 mm. Adults are frequent flower visitors, while larvae are predatory on thrips, aphids, and small caterpillars. The species has been documented as the most numerous syrphid controlling aphids in California Central Coast lettuce fields. It exhibits strong attraction to methyl salicylate, a floral compound and herbivore-induced plant volatile.
Toxomerus politus
maize calligrapher
Toxomerus politus, commonly known as the maize calligrapher, is a small hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) measuring 8–9 mm. The species is native to North America but has been introduced and is expanding its distribution across Central and South America, with recent records from Chile. Adults and larvae are associated with corn (Zea mays), feeding on pollen. The species has been studied for its male genitalia morphology and sperm ultrastructure using advanced microscopy techniques.
Trichopsomyia
Trichopsomyia is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) established by Williston in 1888. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across multiple continents. Adults are typical hoverflies with large compound eyes and a single pair of wings. Larvae are flattened, legless, and aphid predators. The genus belongs to the tribe Pipizini within subfamily Eristalinae.
Trichopsomyia banksi
White-faced Psyllid-killer
Trichopsomyia banksi is an uncommon species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across North America. Adults are known as flower flies and visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species has earned the common name "white-faced psyllid killer" though the specific larval biology of this species remains undocumented. Other members of the genus Trichopsomyia are known predators of psyllids, aphids, and Phylloxera.
Tropidia mamillata
Shiny Thickleg
Tropidia mamillata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known from the United States and has been documented through limited observations.
Tropidia quadrata
Common Thick-leg Fly, Common Thickleg Fly
Tropidia quadrata is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found across north-central North America. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are aquatic, a distinctive trait within the family. The species is notable for its thickened hind legs, which give rise to its common name.
Tropidiina
Tropidiina is a subtribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing 11 genera. Recent phylogenetic studies indicate it is sister to the tribe Eristalini, revealing that Milesiini as currently defined is polyphyletic. Members are characterized by a thickened hind femur and a body that narrows progressively from rear to head. The subtribe has broad geographic distribution with highest diversity in the Americas and Europe.
Victoriana
Victoriana is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Miranda in 2020. The genus belongs to the tribe Syrphini within the subfamily Syrphinae. As a recently described taxon, biological and ecological information remains limited. The genus is known from observations and taxonomic records but detailed species-level accounts are not yet widely published.
Volucella
hover-flies, flower flies
Volucella is a genus of large, broad-bodied hoverflies in the family Syrphidae. These flies are notable for their Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera—particularly bumble bees and hornets—which provides protection from predators. Adults are regular flower visitors that feed on nectar, while larvae develop as inquilines in the nests of social bees and wasps, functioning as detritivores and predators of host larvae. The genus exhibits strong migratory behavior and males are often territorial.
Volucella evecta
Eastern Swiftwing
Volucella evecta, commonly known as the eastern swiftwing, is an uncommon hoverfly native to eastern North America. Once considered a subspecies of Volucella bombylans, genetic evidence has established it as a distinct species. This species exhibits Batesian mimicry, closely resembling bumble bees to avoid predation. Adults are known pollinators that visit flowering plants including Geum, Viburnum, and Rubus.
Volucella facialis
Yellow-faced Swiftwing
Volucella facialis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-faced Swiftwing. It belongs to a genus noted for Batesian mimicry of bumble bees and wasps. Like other Volucella species, it is an inquiline, laying eggs in the nests of social bees and wasps where larvae consume host brood. The species is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other parts of the United States.
Volucellini
Volucellini is a tribe of hoverflies (Syrphidae) within the subfamily Eristalinae. The tribe includes four genera: Copestylum, Graptomyza, Ornidia, and Volucella. Members are known for their robust, often bee-mimicking appearance and association with rotting plant material, particularly cacti, for larval development. The tribe has a broad distribution with notable diversity in the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions.
Xylota
Leafwalkers and Forest Flies
Xylota is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 100 described species, with 12 species occurring in Europe. Adults are characterized by their elongate body form and association with woodland habitats. Unlike most syrphid flies, many Xylota species rarely visit flowers, instead feeding on pollen gathered from leaf surfaces. Larvae are saprophytic, developing in rotting wood of both broadleaved and coniferous trees.
Xylota segnis
Orange-belted Leafwalker, brown-toed forest fly, lazy wood fly
Xylota segnis is a common Palearctic and Nearctic hoverfly distinguished by its black abdomen with a prominent orange or yellowish-red patch on tergites 2 and 3. Adults are notable for their sedentary behavior, often resting motionless on leaves rather than actively flying. The species is polyvoltine with up to three generations annually and has been observed from April through September. Larvae develop in decaying tree sap and have also been recorded from decaying human remains.