Hovering-flight
Guides
Atelestidae
Atelestidae is a small family of flies in the superfamily Empidoidea, comprising approximately four extant genera. The family was formally established in 1983, having previously been classified within Platypezidae or as incertae sedis. Phylogenetic studies indicate Atelestidae represents the sister group to all other living Empidoidea, making it the most basal lineage of this diverse superfamily. The family includes both extant and fossil taxa, with the genus Alavesia known from Cretaceous amber and discovered alive in Namibia in 2010. The monophyly of the family remains incompletely resolved, with the genus Meghyperus likely requiring taxonomic revision.
Bittacomorpha occidentalis
Western Phantom Crane Fly
Bittacomorpha occidentalis is a species of phantom crane fly in the family Ptychopteridae. This dipteran belongs to a group known for their distinctive hovering flight behavior and elongated legs. The species was described by Aldrich in 1895. Like other members of the genus Bittacomorpha, adults are characterized by their striking black-and-white banded legs and unique flight pattern where they appear to drift with legs extended. The larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, typical for the family.
Bombylius curtirhynchus
Bombylius curtirhynchus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Evenhuis in 1978. The genus Bombylius comprises approximately 350 species distributed across the Holarctic region, with many species exhibiting the characteristic fuzzy appearance and hovering flight behavior typical of bee flies. Species in this genus are generally spring-active and possess elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding.
Bombylius incanus
bee fly
Bombylius incanus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Johnson in 1907. The genus Bombylius is one of the most recognizable bee fly genera, with adults typically active in spring and characterized by their fuzzy, bee-like appearance and hovering flight behavior. Like other members of the genus, B. incanus likely exhibits the "bombing" egg-laying behavior where females flick eggs into host burrows. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Bombylius lancifer
Bombylius lancifer is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) found in western North America. Bee flies in this genus are typically active in spring and are known for their bee-like appearance, hovering flight behavior, and parasitic larval life history. Adults visit flowers for nectar, while larvae develop as parasites in the nests of solitary bees.
Deilephila elpenor
Elephant Hawk-moth, Large Elephant Hawk-moth
A medium-sized hawkmoth distinguished by olive-brown forewings with pink markings and pink hindwings with black bases. The caterpillar has a distinctive trunk-like appearance with large eyespots used for predator deterrence. Notable as the first animal documented with nocturnal colour vision, which supports its specialized hovering flight while feeding on nectar at night.
Hemaris thysbe
Hummingbird Clearwing, Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hummingbird Sphinx Moth, Common Clearwing
Hemaris thysbe is a diurnal hawkmoth known for its hummingbird-like flight and transparent wings. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species exhibits significant color variation across its range, with northern and western populations typically showing smooth wing borders and lighter coloration, while southern and eastern populations tend toward darker colors with jagged wing borders. It is a migratory species with one generation per year in northern regions and two in the south.
Hyles gallii
Bedstraw Hawkmoth, Galium Sphinx
Hyles gallii is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) commonly known as the Bedstraw Hawkmoth or Galium Sphinx. It is a medium-sized hawkmoth with a wingspan typically ranging 50-70 mm. The species is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America and Eurasia. Adults are known for their rapid, hovering flight and are primarily crepuscular or nocturnal, though they may be active during daylight hours. The larvae feed primarily on plants in the genus Galium (bedstraws), giving the species its common name.
Hyles lineata
white-lined sphinx, hummingbird moth
Hyles lineata is a large, abundant sphinx moth native to North and Central America, recognized for its distinctive hovering flight and striking wing pattern. Adults display a 2–3 inch wingspan with dark brown forewings marked by white longitudinal lines and black hindwings bearing a broad pink median band. The species exhibits unusual flexibility in activity patterns, flying at dusk, dawn, and occasionally during daylight hours to feed on nectar. Caterpillars show extreme color polymorphism, ranging from black with orange spots to lime green with black markings, and possess a characteristic posterior horn. This generalist feeder has been documented on over a dozen plant families and serves as a significant pollinator and occasional agricultural pest.
Macroglossum
Hummingbird Hawkmoths
Macroglossum is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) known for their rapid, hovering flight and diurnal or crepuscular activity patterns. The genus contains approximately 100 species distributed across the Old World, with the most extensively studied species being Macroglossum stellatarum, the Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Members possess elongated proboscises adapted for nectar feeding from tubular flowers. Several species exhibit migratory behavior, with individuals capable of long-distance movements across continental Europe and into Africa. The genus serves as an important pollinator group, with some species showing specialized coevolutionary relationships with particular plant species.
Macroglossum stellatarum
Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Eurasian Hummingbird Hawkmoth
Macroglossum stellatarum is a diurnal hawkmoth renowned for its hovering flight and long-distance migratory behavior. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowers using an exceptionally long proboscis, and are significant pollinators across their range. The species exhibits complex visual learning capabilities and innate color preferences that guide foraging decisions. Populations in southern Europe may be resident and multivoltine, while northern populations depend on annual immigration from the south.
Proserpinus
day sphinxes, evening primrose hawkmoths
Proserpinus is a genus of seven hawkmoth species in the family Sphingidae. Most species are native to North America, with P. proserpina having a much broader distribution extending from Europe and Asia to Africa. Adults are generally diurnal and exhibit green forewings with orange or red hindwings, though P. flavofasciata displays black and yellow coloration. Larvae specialize on plants in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae), with P. terlooii feeding on Nyctaginaceae instead.
Sphingidae
sphinx moths, hawk moths, hornworms, hummingbird moths
The Sphingidae are a family of moths comprising approximately 1,450 species, best represented in tropical regions but occurring worldwide. Members are moderate to large in size with exceptional flight capabilities, including sustained hovering and rapid, agile maneuvering that rivals hummingbirds. Their streamlined bodies and narrow wings represent convergent evolution with nectar-feeding birds and bats. The family includes economically significant species: some adults are important pollinators with extremely long proboscises, while larval hornworms are major agricultural pests on solanaceous crops.
Syrphidae
hover flies, flower flies, syrphid flies, drone flies
Syrphidae is a species-rich family of true flies comprising over 6,000 described species worldwide, with approximately 800 species in North America. Adults are commonly known as hover flies, flower flies, or drone flies due to their characteristic hovering flight and frequent flower visitation. Many species exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps, gaining protection from predators through their resemblance to stinging Hymenoptera. The family provides critical ecosystem services: adults are significant pollinators second only to bees, especially in Arctic climates, while larvae display diverse ecological roles including predation on crop pests and nutrient cycling in aquatic habitats.