Saprophyte
Guides
Copestylum tamaulipanum
Woolly Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum tamaulipanum is a species of syrphid hoverfly known from Mexico and the Mexico–United States border region. Larvae develop in decaying platyclades of Opuntia cacti, exhibiting saprophytic feeding behavior. Adults are flower visitors. The species has been introduced to Hawaii.
Trichocera salmani
Winter crane fly
Trichocera salmani is a species of winter crane fly in the family Trichoceridae. Like other members of this family, adults are active during cold months when few other insects fly. The species was described by Alexander in 1927 and has been recorded from Vermont and other parts of the United States.
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.