Syrphidae
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Criorhina coquilletti
Coquillett's Bumble Fly
Criorhina coquilletti is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) known as Coquillett's Bumble Fly. The genus Criorhina belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. Hoverflies in this genus are recognized for their bumble bee mimicry, a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1892.
Criorhina fusca
Dusky Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina fusca is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Weisman in 1964. It is known from the United States. The species belongs to a genus whose members are notable for their mimicry of yellowjacket wasps (Vespula spp.), a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. As with other Criorhina species, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Criorhina nasica
Black-backed Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina nasica is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, first described from North America in 1908. The species is known from limited observations and appears to be uncommon or underreported. It belongs to a genus characterized by bumble bee-mimicry, though specific morphological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Criorhina occidentalis
Western Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina occidentalis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Western Yellowjacket Fly. It belongs to a genus of hoverflies that exhibit mimicry of stinging insects such as wasps and hornets. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the Syrphidae family, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Criorhina tricolor
Tricoloured Bumblefly
Criorhina tricolor is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Tricoloured Bumblefly. It is a bumble bee mimic, resembling species in the genus Bombus. The species was described by Coquillett in 1900 and is found in North America.
Criorhina verbosa
Hairy-cheeked Bumble Fly
Criorhina verbosa is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as the Hairy-cheeked Bumble Fly. It belongs to the tribe Milesiini and is part of a genus whose members are notable bumblebee mimics. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1849 under the basionym Milesia verbosa.
Criorhina villosa
Winter Bumblefly
Criorhina villosa, commonly known as the winter bumblefly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It was formerly placed in its own genus, Merapioidus, before being reclassified into Criorhina. The species name has been subject to taxonomic confusion with a related Mexican species originally described as Romaleosyrphus villosus in 1882; as both species now share the genus Criorhina, the older name from 1879 takes precedence.
Dasysyrphus
Dasysyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is relatively straightforward to identify, though species-level differentiation requires careful examination and should not rely solely on images. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive morphological features including hairy eyes and microtrichose wings. Larvae are primarily arboreal, feeding nocturnally on aphids and other small Hemiptera.
Dasysyrphus intrudens
intrudens complex
Dasysyrphus intrudens is a species complex of hover flies (family Syrphidae) distributed across the Holarctic realm, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The name currently encompasses multiple cryptic species that have not yet been formally delineated. Adults are frequently observed, but larvae remain undescribed as of 2012, possibly due to nocturnal habits.
Dasysyrphus occidualis
Western Brusheye
Dasysyrphus occidualis is a hoverfly species described in 2013, distinguished as a western North American representative of the Dasysyrphus genus. The common name "Western Brusheye" references its geographic position relative to other members of this group. As with other Dasysyrphus species, it belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive eye and facial setation patterns. The species remains poorly known due to its recent description and limited observational records.
Dasysyrphus pacificus
Dasysyrphus pacificus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) originally described from the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Dasysyrphus pauxillus. Hoverflies in this genus are commonly known as 'flower flies' due to their frequent presence at flowers, where adults feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae of Dasysyrphus species are predatory, typically feeding on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.
Dasysyrphus pauxillus
Lesser Brusheye
Dasysyrphus pauxillus is a small hoverfly species found in both North America and Europe. It belongs to the genus Dasysyrphus, a group characterized by their distinctive thoracic pile patterns. The species was first described by Williston in 1887. It is known by the common name Lesser Brusheye.
Dioprosopa
drone flies
Dioprosopa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, containing two described species found in the New World. The genus was elevated from subgenus rank in 2018 based on phylogenetic studies. Both species occur in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where they contribute to ecosystem services through adult pollination and larval predation on agricultural pests.
Dioprosopa clavata
Four-speckled Hover Fly
Dioprosopa clavata is a Neotropical hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the type species of genus Dioprosopa. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphidophagous predators that also attack spittlebugs and other hemipteran pests. The species provides dual ecosystem services as both a pollinator and biological control agent in natural habitats and agroecosystems, including citrus orchards. Climate change projections indicate substantial habitat loss by 2100, with range contractions in tropical lowlands and modest shifts toward cooler, higher-elevation refugia.
Diplazontinae
Hover Fly Parasitoid Wasps
Diplazontinae is a subfamily of ichneumonid wasps comprising approximately 19 genera, with highest diversity in the Holarctic region. Members are specialized koinobiont endoparasitoids of hover flies (Syrphidae), with oviposition into host eggs or larvae and emergence from the puparium. The subfamily exhibits distinctive morphological features including three-toothed mandibles and a box-like first abdominal tergite. Several genera have undergone recent taxonomic revision, with Syrphoctonus split into multiple genera to restore monophyly.
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.
Eosalpingogaster
Eosalpingogaster is a genus of flower flies (Syrphidae) established by Hull in 1949 and elevated to full generic status based on adult morphology, biological data, and molecular phylogenetics. Species in this genus are specialized predators of carmine cochineal insects (Dactylopius spp., Dactylopiidae), which are the source of carminic acid used in red dyes. The genus includes multiple species, with two new species described in a 2011 revision.
Eosalpingogaster nepenthe
Eosalpingogaster nepenthe is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hull in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini within the subfamily Syrphinae. The specific epithet 'nepenthe' references the mythical drug of forgetfulness from Greek literature, a naming convention shared with the pitcher plant genus Nepenthes. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Epistrophe nitidicollis
Straight-banded Smoothtail
Epistrophe nitidicollis is a hoverfly species with a broad Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and northern Asia. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive yellow facial markings and a black-and-yellow banded abdomen. The species is strongly associated with deciduous woodland habitats where larvae prey on aphids. Adults visit diverse flowering plants including umbellifers and early spring bloomers.
Epistrophella emarginata
Slender Smoothtail
Epistrophella emarginata is a common North American hoverfly (family Syrphidae) with larvae that are specialized aphid predators. The species is notable for its distinctive egg-laying behavior: females oviposit specifically on leaf petioles rather than on aphid-infested foliage or other substrates. This species is widely distributed across the United States, Canada, and extends into Mexico and Central America.
Episyrphus
Aphid Hover Flies
Episyrphus is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Syrphinae, commonly known as aphid hover flies. The genus contains two recognized subgenera: Episyrphus and Asiobaccha, with the latter distinguished by a petiolate abdomen. Larvae are predatory, frequently preying on aphids. The most widely distributed species, E. balteatus, exhibits migratory behavior and has been extensively studied for its role in biological control. Taxonomic classification within the genus requires revision due to unclear species boundaries and environmentally variable diagnostic characters.
Episyrphus balteatus
marmalade hoverfly, marmalade hover fly
Episyrphus balteatus, commonly known as the marmalade hoverfly, is a small (9–12 mm) syrphid fly native to the Palaearctic region. It is considered the most abundant native hoverfly in Central Europe. Adults are significant pollinators of flowering plants, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, consuming up to approximately 400 aphids before pupation. The species exhibits partial migratory behavior, with some individuals moving southward in autumn while others overwinter locally.
Eristalinae
Drone Flies and Allies
Eristalinae is a subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately nine tribes and notable for exceptional Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. Adults are important pollinators, while larvae exhibit the greatest habitat diversity among hoverflies, occupying aquatic environments, decaying organic matter, sap runs, and even wasp nests. The subfamily includes the well-known drone fly (Eristalis tenax), whose larvae—called rat-tailed maggots—possess an extendable posterior breathing siphon.
Eristalinus
Lagoon Flies
Eristalinus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) characterized by distinctive spotted or banded eye patterns in most species. These stout, nimble fliers are distributed across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with several species becoming widespread invasives outside their native ranges. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with molecular and morphological studies reorganizing former subgenera Eristalodes and Lathyrophthalmus into two primary clades. Species such as E. taeniops and E. aeneus are notable for their rapid global spread and potential as managed pollinators in agricultural systems.
Eristalinus aeneus
Common Lagoon Fly
Eristalinus aeneus is a hoverfly (Syrphidae) with subcosmopolitan distribution, commonly found in freshwater habitats including coastal lagoons, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Adults are effective pollinators of crops including watermelon and mango, and have been evaluated as managed pollinators in protected agriculture. The species exhibits distinctive patterned eyes with black spots, metallic coloration, and rapid hovering flight. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with decaying organic matter, possessing a characteristic extensible breathing siphon.
Eristalis anthophorina
orange-spotted drone fly
Eristalis anthophorina, the orange-spotted drone fly, is a syrphid fly with Holarctic distribution. Adults reach approximately 15 mm in length and are notable mimics of bumblebees. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats including bogs, fens, and woodland pools. It has been observed visiting flowers of Verbena hastata, Salix myricoides, and Hesperis matronalis.
Eristalis arbustorum
Eurasian Drone Fly, European Drone Fly
Eristalis arbustorum is a sexually dimorphic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Females closely mimic small, dark mining bees (Andrenidae), while males exhibit less specific mimicry of wasps and other yellow-black Hymenoptera. The species is abundant across the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced to North America. Adults are important pollinators that visit diverse flowering plants, while larvae are aquatic filter-feeders known as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their elongated posterior breathing siphon. The species is known to be migratory in Europe, with populations overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
Eristalis bellardii
Mexican mountain drone fly
Eristalis bellardii is an uncommon syrphid fly species first described in 1867. It is found in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of honeybees, with adults visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Larval biology remains unknown.
Eristalis brousii
Hourglass Drone Fly
Eristalis brousii, commonly known as the hourglass drone fly, is a hoverfly species first described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1882. The species has experienced severe population decline across North America following the introduction of the European congener Eristalis arbustorum near Toronto around 1885. As of 2019, it persists only along the lake margin of Hudson Bay in Northern Canada, making it one of the most geographically restricted hoverflies on the continent. Like other Eristalis species, adults are pollinators while larvae develop as aquatic filter-feeders.
Eristalis cryptarum
Bog-dwelling Drone Fly, Bog Hoverfly
Eristalis cryptarum is a Holarctic hoverfly species specializing in bog and wetland habitats. It is notable for its restricted distribution and significant population declines across Europe, with extirpation from much of its former English range and critical endangerment in Denmark. The species exhibits classic Eristalis morphology with distinctive coloration and is a member of the drone fly group, though it is not a bee mimic to the same degree as some congeners. Its larvae are assumed to be aquatic filter-feeders in saturated peat, though they remain undescribed.
Eristalis flavipes
orange-legged drone fly
Eristalis flavipes, commonly known as the orange-legged drone fly, is a North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are striking mimics of bumblebees, measuring 13–17 mm in length, with abundant bright yellow pile on a black body and distinctive orange-red legs. The species is active from early April through mid-October, occurring across diverse habitats with particular affinity for wetlands. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that filter-feed in standing water.
Eristalis gomojunovae
Arctic Drone Fly
A species of hoverfly in the genus Eristalis, commonly known as the Arctic Drone Fly. Described by Violovich in 1977, this species belongs to the drone fly group within the family Syrphidae. Like other Eristalis species, it is presumed to exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees or wasps. The specific epithet honors an individual, following the naming convention for this species. Very limited information exists on its biology and ecology compared to better-studied congeners such as Eristalis tenax.
Eristalis hirta
Black-footed Drone Fly
Eristalis hirta, commonly known as the black-footed drone fly, is a syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1866. It is a common species in Western North America and also occurs in Northern Europe. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of honey bees, providing protection from predators. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders with the characteristic rat-tailed morphology, developing in standing water 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 obscura
Dusky Drone Fly
Eristalis obscura, commonly known as the dusky drone fly, is a species of syrphid fly first described by Loew in 1866. It is widespread across northern North America and extends eastward through Europe to Siberia. The species exhibits the characteristic rat-tailed maggot larval form, with aquatic larvae that function as filter-feeders. Like other members of the genus Eristalis, adults are likely bee mimics, though specific documentation of this behavior for E. obscura is limited.
Eristalis saxorum
Blue-polished Drone Fly
Eristalis saxorum is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) native to eastern North America. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blossoms. The species exhibits typical drone fly characteristics, including bee-mimicry and hovering flight behavior. Larvae are presumed to be of the rat-tailed type, though they have not been formally identified for this species. The species is active from mid-March through late October, with adults overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
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.
Eumerus
Lesser Bulb Flies
Eumerus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 281 species. Adults are small to medium (5–12 mm) with distinctive morphological features including a smooth cylindrical abdomen, powerful hind legs with thickened femora, and a flat hairy face. The genus is notable for containing several agricultural pests whose larvae damage bulbs and roots of ornamental and crop plants.
Eumerus funeralis
Lesser Bulb Fly
Eumerus funeralis, commonly known as the Lesser Bulb Fly, is a small hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Originally described from the Mediterranean basin, it has become cosmopolitan in distribution, particularly widespread in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. The species is notable for its phytophagous larvae, which develop in damaged bulbs and are recognized as a minor pest of ornamental plants including Narcissus, Hyacinthus, and Amaryllis.
Eupeodes americanus
American hoverfly, Long-tailed Aphideater
Eupeodes americanus, the American hoverfly, is a Nearctic aphidophagous hoverfly commercialized in Canada as a biological control agent for aphid management. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, with one larva consuming approximately 2,000 aphids during development. The species is notable for its ability to remain active at low temperatures (12–18°C) where other biocontrol agents become inactive. It has been evaluated as a biocontrol agent for greenhouse and field crops including sweet pepper, cucumber, cotton, soybeans, melons, and potatoes.
Eupeodes latifasciatus
Broad-banded Aphideater, meadow field syrph
Eupeodes latifasciatus is a small hoverfly with wing length 6.5–8.5 mm, distinguished by yellow markings fused into bands on abdominal segments three and four. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowers and serve as pollinators. Larvae are aphid predators, feeding on aphids and scale insects (Hemiptera). The species has a broad distribution across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with flight activity primarily from May to September.
Eupeodes montivagus
Red-tailed Aphideater
A flower fly (Syrphidae) known as the Red-tailed Aphideater. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. Larvae are aphid predators, with females laying eggs in or near aphid colonies. The species was first described from Colorado by William Morton Wheeler in 1895.
Eupeodes perplexus
bare-winged aphideater
Eupeodes perplexus, commonly known as the bare-winged aphideater, is a hoverfly species native to North America. The species is notable for its distinctive wing venation and abdominal patterning. Adults are nectar feeders, while larvae are predatory, consuming aphids and scale insects. The species is part of the diverse syrphid fauna that contributes to both pollination and biological control in various ecosystems.
Eupeodes pomus
Short-tailed Aphideater
Eupeodes pomus, commonly known as the short-tailed aphideater, is a species of syrphid fly distributed across North America. Adults are flower-visiting insects that feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphid predators. The species belongs to a family noted for wasp-mimicking appearance and hovering flight behavior.
Eupeodes snowi
Snow's Aphideater
Eupeodes snowi is a species of syrphid fly, commonly known as Snow's Aphideater, in the family Syrphidae. As a member of the Syrphinae subfamily, its larvae are aphid predators. The species is part of a diverse genus of hover flies that serve as important biological control agents and pollinators.
Eurimyia
rat-tail maggot flies, swamp flies
Eurimyia is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing three described species. These flies are commonly known as rat-tail maggot flies due to the distinctive elongated breathing tube of their aquatic larvae. The genus was established by Bigot in 1883 and previously included species now classified under Lejops. Adults are associated with wetland habitats.
Fazia micrura
Diamond Spottail
Fazia micrura is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Diamond Spottail. First described by Osten Sacken in 1877, it belongs to the tribe Syrphini. The species has been documented through over 1,900 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-recorded. As a member of the hoverfly family, it is presumed to be a pollinator and may exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees or wasps.
Ferdinandea buccata
Common Copperback
Ferdinandea buccata is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Common Copperback. The species was first described by Loew in 1863 under the basionym Chrysochlamys buccata. As a member of the tribe Rhingiini within the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies often associated with particular larval habitat preferences. Adult hoverflies in this genus are typically found in wooded or semi-open habitats where they visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Ferdinandea croesus
Golden Copperback
Ferdinandea croesus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It belongs to the tribe Rhingiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known by the common name Golden Copperback and has been documented in North America with observations recorded on citizen science platforms.
Hadromyia aepalius
Sterling Quicksilver
Hadromyia aepalius, known as the Sterling Quicksilver, is a rare hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found in eastern North America. The species exhibits a distinctive shining metallic bronze coloration that gives it its common name. It belongs to a genus of relatively uncommon flower-visiting flies. Observations are sparse, with only five documented records on iNaturalist.