Syrphid-fly
Guides
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.
Copestylum satur
spotted-wing bromeliad fly
Copestylum satur is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the spotted-wing bromeliad fly. It belongs to the family Syrphidae, a group known as hoverflies or flower flies that are important pollinators. The species name references its association with bromeliad plants.
Copestylum victoria
Victoria's bromeliad fly
Copestylum victoria is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as Victoria's bromeliad fly. The species is named in association with bromeliads, suggesting a specialized ecological relationship with these plants. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination and shares the characteristic hovering flight behavior typical of the group.
Doros aequalis
Canadian Potter Fly
Doros aequalis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Canadian Potter Fly. It belongs to the family Syrphidae, a diverse group of true flies often recognized for their bee- or wasp-like appearance. The species was first described by Loew in 1863. Records indicate it occurs in parts of North America, including Vermont and other areas in the United States.
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.
Sericomyia sexfasciata
Six-banded Pond Fly
Sericomyia sexfasciata is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as the Six-banded Pond Fly. It belongs to the subfamily Eristalinae and tribe Milesiini. Like other members of its genus, the larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1849.
Sphaerophoria contigua
Tufted Globetail
Sphaerophoria contigua is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Tufted Globetail. As a member of the hoverfly family Syrphidae, it exhibits the characteristic hovering behavior and yellow-and-black coloration typical of many flower flies. The species is a predator of aphids, with larvae feeding on these soft-bodied insects. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Temnostoma venustum
black-banded falsehorn
Temnostoma venustum is a rare syrphid fly (flower fly) found in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are wasp mimics with darkened wing margins and leg-waving behavior that simulates wasp antennae. Larvae develop in moist decayed wood.