Syrphid
Guides
Anasimyia distincta
short-spurred swamp fly
Anasimyia distincta, known as the short-spurred swamp fly, is a rare syrphid fly species documented in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are commonly observed on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are aquatic and possess the characteristic rat-tailed morphology of eristaline hoverflies.
Arctosyrphus willingii
northern longbeak
Arctosyrphus willingii, known as the northern longbeak, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is a medium-sized fly, 11–12 mm in length, with distinctive sexual dimorphism in frons width and wing coloration. The species was formerly classified under the genus Lejops. It is restricted to boreal and subarctic regions of North America.
Baccha
Baccha is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Syrphinae, characterized by extremely slender, club-shaped abdomens. Adults range from 7 to 10 mm in length and exhibit wasp-like body proportions with clear or faintly marked wings. The genus is distinguished by its distinctive elongate body form among syrphine flies.
Blera analis
Orange-tailed Wood Fly
Blera analis is an uncommon syrphid fly found in northeastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies, 9–13 mm in length, with distinctive orange-yellow abdominal markings. The species was described by Macquart in 1842. Larvae develop in tree rot holes and feed on exuding sap.
Blera armillata
Orange-faced Wood Fly
Blera armillata is an uncommon syrphid hoverfly first described by Osten Sacken in 1875. Adults are known as flower flies and visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished from congeners by its entirely black abdomen, pale scutum, and black gena with a yellow face. The rat-tailed larvae develop in exuding sap or rot holes of trees.
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.
Callicera erratica
golden pine fly, American Golden Longhorn
Callicera erratica is a rare species of syrphid fly found in the northeastern United States and Canada. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is notable for its specialized larval habitat: water-filled rot holes and cavities in old, living conifer trees. Its common name "golden pine fly" reflects both its coloration and this unique ecological association with pine trees.
Ceriana abbreviata
Northern Wasp Fly
Ceriana abbreviata, known as the Northern Wasp Fly, is a rare syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1864. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling wasps in coloration and body form to avoid predation. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in tree wounds where they feed on sap. The species has been documented across North America including the United States and Canada.
Ceriana ancoralis
Black-sided Wasp Fly
Ceriana ancoralis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Black-sided Wasp Fly. It is a wasp mimic, displaying coloration and body form that resembles vespid wasps such as yellowjackets and paper wasps. This mimicry provides protection from predators that avoid wasps. The species has been documented in limited observations, with 21 records on iNaturalist.
Cheilosia albitarsis
Cheilosia albitarsis is a large, abundant European hoverfly with a flight period from April to June, extending into July at higher elevations. Adults are strongly associated with buttercup flowers (Ranunculus), which also serve as the larval host plant. The species occupies diverse habitats including woodland clearings, agricultural land, and montane pastures. It is widely distributed throughout the Palearctic region.
Copestylum sexmaculatum
Six-spotted Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum sexmaculatum, commonly known as the six-spotted bromeliad fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The common name references its association with bromeliad plants, which serve as hosts for its larval development. As a member of the genus Copestylum, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies whose larvae are typically found in phytotelmata—water-holding structures of plants such as bromeliads. Adults are flower visitors and contribute to pollination. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range with numerous observations recorded.
Criorhina caudata
Red-tailed Bumblefly
Criorhina caudata is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1925. It is commonly known as the Red-tailed Bumblefly. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Criorhina, it exhibits bumblebee mimicry as a defensive adaptation.
Criorhina kincaidi
Kincaid's Bumble Fly
Criorhina kincaidi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as Kincaid's Bumble Fly. The species was described by Coquillett in 1901. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Criorhina nigriventris
bare-cheeked bumble fly
Criorhina nigriventris is an uncommon species of syrphid fly known as the bare-cheeked bumble fly. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits bumble bee mimicry, a common defensive adaptation in the genus Criorhina. Larval development occurs in decaying wood. The species has been documented across northern North America with scattered records in the Appalachian region.
Dasysyrphus creper
Arched Brusheye
Dasysyrphus creper is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Snow in 1895. It belongs to the genus Dasysyrphus, a group of small to medium-sized syrphid flies commonly known as brusheye hoverflies. The common name "Arched Brusheye" refers to distinctive eye markings characteristic of this species. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woodland habitats and aphid prey, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Dasysyrphus laticaudus
Boreal Brusheye, boreal conifer fly
Dasysyrphus laticaudus is a small syrphid fly (5–8.2 mm) commonly found in Eastern and Northern North America. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in frons pattern, eye contact, and abdominal maculae shape. Larvae of the genus Dasysyrphus are aphid predators, though specific larval ecology for this species is not documented.
Dasysyrphus limatus
Narrow-banded Brusheye
Dasysyrphus limatus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hine in 1922. It belongs to a genus characterized by banded abdomens and is known by the common name Narrow-banded Brusheye. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.
Didea fuscipes
Undivided Lucent
Didea fuscipes is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini. It is commonly known as the Undivided Lucent. As a member of the genus Didea, it shares the characteristic broad, somewhat flattened abdomen typical of this group. The species was described by Loew in 1863. Observations of this species are documented in North America, including Vermont in the United States.
Epistrophe grossulariae
Black-horned Smoothtail
Epistrophe grossulariae is a Holarctic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-horned Smoothtail. It is a medium-sized syrphid fly with distinctive morphological features that distinguish it from congeners. The species has been well-documented across Europe with substantial observational records.
Eristalini
Rat-tail Maggot Flies
Eristalini is a tribe of hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by larvae known as "rat-tailed maggots," which possess a posterior telescopic breathing siphon. Several species are notable hymenopteran mimics: Eristalis species resemble honeybees, while Helophilus and Parhelophilus display wasp-like yellow and black striping. Adults function as pollinators, while larvae inhabit aquatic or semi-aquatic environments rich in decaying organic matter.
Eristalis
Drone Flies, Droneflies
Eristalis is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 99 species. Adults are commonly called drone flies due to their resemblance to honeybee drones, a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larvae, known as rat-tailed maggots, are aquatic and possess an extendable breathing siphon that allows them to inhabit oxygen-depleted environments such as stagnant water, sewage, and decomposing organic matter. Adults are important generalist pollinators, with some species proposed as managed alternatives to honey bees for agricultural pollination.
Eristalis fratercula
Eristalis fratercula is a species of drone fly in the family Syrphidae, described by McNeill. It belongs to a genus of hoverflies known for Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. The species is listed in grasshopper survey records from Colorado and Wyoming, suggesting it occurs in western North American grasslands. Like other Eristalis species, adults are likely pollinators and larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic organic-rich habitats.
Eristalis interrupta
Eristalis interrupta is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the genus Eristalis. Like other members of this genus, it belongs to a group commonly known as drone flies due to their resemblance to honey bees. The genus Eristalis contains species that are important pollinators and whose larvae are aquatic decomposers found in organic-rich water. Specific details about E. interrupta are limited in the provided sources, though it shares the general characteristics of Eristalis species including Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps.
Eristalis rupium
Spot-winged Drone Fly
Eristalis rupium, the spot-winged drone fly, is a European hoverfly species first described by Fabricius in 1805. It is a common species across Europe and uncommon in North America. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of honey bees and serves as an important pollinator. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, inhabiting clear-water streams.
Eristalis transversa
Transverse-banded Drone Fly, Transverse Flower Fly
Eristalis transversa is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1830. Adults are bee mimics, displaying Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera. The species is common in eastern North America and is frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Like other Eristalis species, adults are important pollinators, though specific larval habitat for this species has not been documented.
Eupeodes fumipennis
Western Aphideater
Eupeodes fumipennis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Western Aphideater. As a hoverfly, it is a member of the family Syrphidae, a group known for their distinctive hovering flight and frequent mimicry of bees and wasps. The species name references its smoky or darkened wing coloration. Like many Eupeodes species, it is likely predatory or parasitic in its larval stage, though specific biological details for this species are limited in the provided sources.
Fazia
Fazia is a genus of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, established by Shannon in 1927. The genus belongs to the subfamily Syrphinae and is part of the diverse family of flower flies. Records indicate at least 2,300 observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is a moderately documented group in nature-based citizen science. Specific species-level information remains limited in available sources.
Hadromyia grandis
Bee-like Quicksilver
Hadromyia grandis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bee-like Quicksilver. The species was described by Williston in 1882 and is currently accepted in the genus Hadromyia. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae.
Hadromyia pulchra
Yellow-shielded Quicksilver
Hadromyia pulchra is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) known by the common name Yellow-shielded Quicksilver. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a syrphid fly, it belongs to a group commonly recognized for their bee- or wasp-mimicking appearance and ecological roles as pollinators.
Hammerschmidtia rufa
black-bristled logsitter
Hammerschmidtia rufa, known as the black-bristled logsitter, is an uncommon syrphid fly species distributed across North America. Adults are flower flies that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species has been found in association with deciduous trees, with larvae occurring under bark. It was originally described as Hammerschmidtia ferruginea by Curran.
Helophilus
Marsh Flies, Tiger Hoverflies
Helophilus is a genus of moderate to large hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as marsh flies or tiger hoverflies. Adults are notable bee or wasp mimics with distinctive lengthwise yellow stripes on the thorax and transverse bands on the abdomen. Larvae are aquatic "rat-tailed maggots" that filter-feed on microorganisms in organic-rich water. The genus comprises two subgenera: Helophilus and Pilinasica (the latter containing endemic New Zealand species).
Helophilus fasciatus
Narrow-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus fasciatus, commonly known as the narrow-headed marsh fly, is a syrphid fly species widespread across the United States and Canada. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in wet, decaying organic matter, particularly accumulations of decaying vegetation in ponds and mud. This species is one of the more frequently observed hoverflies in North America, with over 18,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Helophilus groenlandicus
Black-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus groenlandicus, commonly known as the Black-margined Marsh Fly, is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species occurs across the northern Holarctic region. Larval biology is not directly documented for this species, though related Helophilus species develop in wet decaying organic material with rat-tailed maggot morphology.
Helophilus lapponicus
Yellow-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus lapponicus is a Holarctic species of hoverfly found across northern North America, northern Europe, Greenland, and Siberia. Adults are medium-sized syrphid flies, 12.5–13.5 mm in length, commonly observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished by yellow abdominal markings and specific wing venation. Larval biology remains undocumented, though congeneric species develop in wet decaying organic matter.
Heringia salax
Eastern Smoothleg, Eastern Smoothleg Fly
Heringia salax, commonly known as the Eastern Smoothleg Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults visit flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids. The species is recorded across North America.
Lejota cyanea
Cobalt Trunksitter
Lejota cyanea, commonly known as the cobalt trunksitter, is an uncommon syrphid fly found in northeastern and western North America. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in decaying tree roots, a trait characteristic of the genus Lejota.
Leucozona velutina
Western Hoary
Leucozona velutina is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the order Diptera. The species was described by Williston in 1882. Like other syrphid flies, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The genus Leucozona includes species that are often associated with woodland and forest edge habitats.
Merodon equestris
Narcissus bulb fly, greater bulb fly, large bulb fly, large Narcissus fly
Merodon equestris is a Holarctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) and a significant horticultural pest of bulbous plants. Adults are bumblebee mimics with variable coloration controlled by multiple genetic loci, flying low in zig-zag patterns April through July. Larvae develop internally within bulbs of Amaryllidaceae and Liliaceae, particularly Narcissus, causing economic damage in cultivated settings.
Microdon aurulentus
Golden-haired Ant Fly
Microdon aurulentus is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Commonly known as the Golden-haired Ant Fly, this species belongs to the subfamily Microdontinae, whose larvae are known to develop within ant colonies. The species was described by Fabricius in 1805. Recent research involving specimen collections in Illinois has contributed to updated distribution records for this species.
Microdon cothurnatus
orange-legged ant fly
Microdon cothurnatus, known as the orange-legged ant fly, is a syrphid fly species documented across the Northern United States and Canada. Unlike most hoverflies, adults are rarely observed at flowers. The species is notable for its ant-associated life history: larvae develop within ant nests.
Microdon manitobensis
Greater Ant Fly
Microdon manitobensis, commonly known as the Greater Ant Fly, is a species of syrphid fly first described by Curran in 1924. It belongs to the subfamily Microdontinae, a group of hover flies with unusual life histories involving ant associations. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are known to inhabit ant nests, though specific details for this species remain limited. It has been documented in museum collections and citizen science observations, with 59 records on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Milesia virginiensis
yellowjacket hover fly, Virginia flower fly, Virginia Giant Hover Fly, News Bee
A large, striking syrphid fly native to eastern North America. Adults are notable mimics of yellowjackets and hornets, complete with yellow, brown, and black coloration and a loud droning buzz. The species is active primarily in mid-summer to early fall, frequenting forest edges and meadows. Larvae develop in decaying wood. The species carries extensive American folklore, commonly known as the "News Bee" for its habit of hovering near people.
Myolepta lunulata
Poplar-rot Pegleg
Myolepta lunulata is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) first described by Bigot in 1884. It belongs to the tribe Brachyopini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known from limited observations, with records documented through iNaturalist and other biodiversity databases. Its common name, Poplar-rot Pegleg, suggests an association with decaying poplar wood and possibly distinctive leg morphology.
Myolepta strigilata
Scaled Pegleg
Myolepta strigilata, commonly known as the Scaled Pegleg, is an uncommon syrphid fly found in the eastern and central United States. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species is part of the hoverfly family, capable of sustained hovering flight. Larvae of the genus develop in rot holes of deciduous trees.
Myolepta varipes
Orange-banded Pegleg, Orange-banded Spineleg
Myolepta varipes is an uncommon syrphid fly found in the eastern United States. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished by orange banding on the legs. Larvae of the genus develop in rot holes of deciduous trees.
Nausigaster
Nausigaster is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) endemic to the New World, containing approximately 15 described species. The genus was established by Williston in 1884. Larvae have been documented developing in decaying cacti and bromeliads, suggesting a specialized association with these plant substrates. Adult records span from Argentina to Mexico, with recent collections extending known distributions in Colombia and Argentina.
Neoascia metallica
Double-banded Fen Fly
Neoascia metallica is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across North America. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is known for its metallic coloration and association with wetland habitats. Larvae are aquatic, a trait that distinguishes this species from many other syrphid flies.
Orphnabaccha
Orphnabaccha is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, native to the Neotropical region. The genus was reinstated by Hull in 1949 and later redefined when molecular studies showed that the formerly broad genus Ocyptamus was not monophyletic, leading to the split of several distinct genera including Orphnabaccha.
Palpada vinetorum
Northern Plushback
Palpada vinetorum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Northern Plushback. It is a medium-sized flower fly native to the Americas, with adults measuring 10–14 mm in length. The species belongs to the vinetorum species group within the genus Palpada, one of three groups established by Thompson (1981). Adults are notable pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. The species is widely distributed across North, Central, and South America.