Saprophage
Guides
Chalcosyrphus anthreas
yellow-banded leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus anthreas, commonly known as the yellow-banded leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. The species belongs to the family Syrphidae (hoverflies or flower flies), a group known for their ability to remain nearly motionless in flight. Adults are typically found on flowers, where they obtain nectar and pollen. The species was originally described by Walker in 1849 under the basionym Xylota anthreas.
Chalcosyrphus chalybeus
violet leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus chalybeus, commonly known as the violet leafwalker, is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) found in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are characterized by their all-black coloration with a distinctive steely blue or violet metallic sheen. Unlike many syrphid flies, this species shows a strong association with dead wood rather than flowers. The larvae develop in decaying wood as saprophages, while adults are known to visit flowers for nectar and pollen. Males possess holoptic (contiguous) eyes, a trait unusual among syrphid flies.
Chalcosyrphus curvarius
Chalcosyrphus curvarius is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, tribe Xylotini. Members of this genus are typically associated with decaying wood habitats. The larvae develop in rotting wood and fermenting sap, functioning as saprophages rather than predators. Adults are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and modified hind legs, though specific details for C. curvarius remain limited in available sources.
Milichiidae
freeloader flies, jackal flies, filth flies
Milichiidae is a family of minute acalyptrate flies comprising approximately 250 species in 19 genera across three subfamilies (Madizinae, Milichiinae, Phyllomyzinae). Adults are best known for kleptoparasitic behavior, feeding on bodily fluids of prey captured by predatory invertebrates such as spiders, assassin bugs, and mantids. They are attracted to olfactory cues released by killed prey, particularly Heteroptera and Hymenoptera. Larvae develop in decaying organic matter including rotting vegetation, wood, bark, manure, and carrion. Some species have forensic importance due to association with corpses, while others exhibit myrmecophilous associations or phoretic behaviors.