Rat-tailed-larva
Guides
Blera nigra
Golden-haired Wood Fly
Blera nigra, commonly known as the golden-haired wood fly, is a Nearctic syrphid fly species first described by Williston in 1887. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in facial coloration and antennal structure. Larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in tree rot holes or exuding sap.
Blera pictipes
Painted Wood Fly
Blera pictipes is a rare syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) distributed across the eastern and central United States. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies with distinctive yellow and black abdominal markings and yellow-banded legs. The species exhibits rat-tailed larval morphology typical of related genera, with larvae developing in rot holes and on exuding sap of trees. First described by Bigot in 1884, it remains infrequently encountered despite its relatively broad geographic range.
Blera scitula
Western Wood Fly
Blera scitula, commonly known as the western wood fly, is a syrphid hoverfly species first described by Williston in 1882. It is an uncommon Nearctic species found along the western coastal area of North America. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen, while larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in tree rot holes or feeding on exuding sap.
Brachyopa flavescens
Yellow Sapeater
Brachyopa flavescens, commonly known as the Yellow Sapeater, is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) described by Shannon in 1915. The species is fairly common in northeastern North America. Adults are associated with flowers, from which they obtain nectar and pollen. Larvae of the genus Brachyopa are of the rat-tailed type, though larvae of B. flavescens specifically have not been described.
Brachypalpus cyanella
Longnose Catkin, Longnose Catkin Fly
Brachypalpus cyanella is a rare Nearctic syrphid fly described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Adults are flower-associated, feeding on nectar and pollen. Larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing under tree bark in decaying sap. The species has a restricted distribution in southern and central California.
Brachypalpus cyanogaster
Bluebottle Catkin Fly, Bluebottle Catkin
Brachypalpus cyanogaster is a rare syrphid fly described by Loew in 1872. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are of the rat-tailed type and feed on decaying sap under tree bark. The species occurs in Canada and the United States.
Brachypalpus oarus
eastern catkin
Brachypalpus oarus, commonly known as the eastern catkin, is a Nearctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) described by Walker in 1849. Adults frequent flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae possess the rat-tailed morphology characteristic of saprophagous syrphids, feeding beneath tree bark.
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.
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.