Syrphidae
Guides
Hadromyia crawfordi
Golden Quicksilver
Hadromyia crawfordi is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to western North America. It is commonly known as the Golden Quicksilver. The species was originally described as Caliprobola crawfordi by Shannon in 1916 and later transferred to the genus Hadromyia. It is one of several species in the genus Hadromyia, which are characterized by their distinctive metallic coloration.
Helophilina
rat-tail maggot flies
Helophilina is a subtribe of hoverflies within the family Syrphidae, commonly referred to as rat-tail maggot flies. The subtribe encompasses approximately 19 genera and over 180 described species. Members are classified within the subfamily Eristalinae and tribe Eristalini. The common name derives from the aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stage, which possesses a long, telescopic breathing siphon resembling a rat's tail.
Helophilus bottnicus
Gray-banded Marsh Fly
Helophilus bottnicus is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Gray-banded Marsh Fly. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are aquatic, developing in decaying organic matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and often exhibit yellowjacket mimicry with characteristic thoracic striping. The species was described by Wahlberg in 1844 and is recorded from Norway and Sweden.
Helophilus hybridus
hoverfly
Helophilus hybridus is a Palearctic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive yellow and black abdominal patterning. The species is associated with wetland habitats across northern and central Europe, extending eastward through Russia to the Pacific coast. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with organic matter.
Helophilus intentus
Yellow-legged Marsh Fly
Helophilus intentus is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) in the family Syrphidae. It belongs to the genus Helophilus, whose members are commonly known as marsh flies due to their association with aquatic habitats. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen.
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.
Helophilus latifrons
Broad-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus latifrons, commonly known as the Broad-headed Marsh Fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The larvae are aquatic and develop in decaying submerged vegetation, functioning as decomposers in wetland ecosystems. The species occurs across much of North America including the United States, southern Canada, and mountainous regions of Mexico.
Helophilus neoaffinis
Northwestern Marsh Fly
A syrphid fly species in the genus Helophilus, recognized by iNaturalist as the Northwestern Marsh Fly. As with other members of its genus, it likely exhibits yellowjacket mimicry with vertical yellow stripes on the thorax. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water, characteristic of the 'rat-tailed maggot' form found in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Helophilus obscurus
obscure marsh fly
Helophilus obscurus is a syrphid fly commonly found across Canada, the northern United States, and the Rocky Mountains. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species is part of the marsh fly genus Helophilus, though the larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented. It is one of several North American Helophilus species that exhibit yellowjacket mimicry.
Heringia
Smoothleg Flies
Heringia is a genus of small hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as Smoothleg Flies. Species occur in North America and Europe. Larvae are predatory on specific aphid species, including woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), woolly elm aphid (Schizoneura), and aphids on poplar (Pemphigus) and fir (Dreyfusia). Adults feed on honeydew and pollen. The genus is part of the "little black fly" group, with females generally unidentifiable to species.
Heringia canadensis
Canadian smoothleg
Heringia canadensis, commonly known as the Canadian smoothleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across much of North America. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to the tribe Pipizini, whose larvae are known aphid predators, though specific larval biology for this species remains incompletely documented. It is considered fairly common within its range.
Hiatomyia
Deltawings
Hiatomyia is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) characterized by a distinctive plumose arista and shiny black coloration. The genus contains approximately 22 described species, with authorship dating to Shannon (1922). These flies are relatively poorly known compared to many other syrphid genera, with limited observational data available.
Hypocritanus
Hypocritanus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Miranda in 2020. The genus is found in the Neotropical region and contains at least two described species: H. fascipennis and H. lemur. As a member of the tribe Syrphini, these flies are part of a diverse group of flower-visiting insects.
Hypocritanus fascipennis
eastern band-winged hover fly
Hypocritanus fascipennis is a North American species of syrphid fly commonly known as the eastern band-winged hover fly. It was transferred from the genus Ocyptamus to Hypocritanus in 2020 based on phylogenetic research. As a member of the hover fly family Syrphidae, it likely exhibits the characteristic hovering flight behavior typical of this group.
Laetodon laetus
Small Metallic Ant Fly
Laetodon laetus is a small hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, commonly known as the Small Metallic Ant Fly. Members of Microdontinae are myrmecophilous, meaning they have ecological associations with ants. The species exhibits metallic coloration and has been documented in limited observations, with 41 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is infrequently encountered or underreported.
Lapposyrphus
Lapposyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) established by Dušek & Láska in 1967. The genus was historically treated as part of Eupeodes, from which it was later separated based on morphological distinctions. It contains two species: L. lapponicus and L. abberrantis. Members are found in northern and boreal regions of Europe.
Lapposyrphus aberrantis
Western Loopwing Aphideater
Lapposyrphus aberrantis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Charles Howard Curran in 1925. It is commonly known as the Western Loopwing Aphideater. The genus Lapposyrphus comprises aphidophagous hoverflies, and this species follows the general ecological pattern of the group. Observations are relatively sparse, with 54 records on iNaturalist.
Lepidomyia micheneri
Michner's Scaleback
Lepidomyia micheneri is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Fluke in 1953. It belongs to the tribe Brachyopini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known from very few observations, with only two records documented on iNaturalist. It is commonly referred to as "Michner's Scaleback."
Lycastrirhyncha
neotropical flower flies, neotropical hoverflies
Lycastrirhyncha is a genus of neotropical hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising five described species. The genus was established by Bigot in 1859 with L. nitens as the type species. At least one species, L. nitens, has been documented as a flower visitor in wetland habitats, where it forages on Pontederia sagittata inflorescences. Observations indicate temporal variation in foraging behavior correlated with nectar availability.
Lycastrirhyncha nitens
Lycastrirhyncha nitens is a hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae) first described by Bigot in 1859. It is known from floral visitation studies on Pontederia sagittata (arrowhead water hyacinth), where it exhibits temporal variation in foraging behavior correlated with nectar availability. The species has been documented in wetland habitats across Brazil, with GBIF records indicating presence in all 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District.
Mallota
Mimic Flies
Mallota is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing approximately 30 described species. Adults are well known for their robust, bee-like appearance, functioning as mimics of bumble bees (Bombus species). The genus has been documented from North America, Europe, and Asia. Larvae develop in water-filled tree holes and other decaying wood cavities.
Mallota bautias
Bare-eyed Bee-mimic Fly
Mallota bautias is a hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to eastern North America. The species is notable for its exceptional mimicry of bumblebees (genus Bombus), particularly Bombus pennsylvanicus, serving as a classic example of Batesian mimicry in which a harmless species evolves to resemble a stinging model. Adult flies are pollinators, while larvae develop in tree holes filled with water. The species has been the subject of behavioral studies examining how avian predators respond to the mimic and its model.
Mallota bequaerti
Spot-winged Mimic Fly
Mallota bequaerti is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) in the family Syrphidae, described by Hull in 1956. The species is currently considered a synonym of Imatisma bequaerti in some taxonomic databases. Like other members of the genus Mallota, it is presumed to be a bumble bee mimic based on related species, though specific observations of this species are sparse.
Mallota diversipennis
A syrphid fly in the tribe Eristalini, described by Curran in 1922. Like other members of the genus Mallota, the larvae develop in water-filled tree holes. Adults are bumble bee mimics and are known to use leaves as platforms for grooming behavior. The specific epithet "diversipennis" refers to variation in wing pattern.
Mallota mississipensis
Eastern Mimic Fly
Mallota mississipensis is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. It is one of approximately 13 species in the genus Mallota found in North America. The species is a bumble bee mimic, exhibiting the black and yellow coloration typical of this defensive mimicry strategy. Like other members of its genus, the larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, specifically in water that collects in tree holes. The species is known from eastern North America, with observations documented in the iNaturalist database.
Mallota posticata
Hairy-eyed Bee-mimic Fly
Mallota posticata is a syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) known for its bumble bee mimicry. The species is documented in Illinois and broader North America, with larvae developing in water-filled tree holes. Adults exhibit grooming behavior on leaves and serve as pollinators.
Mallota sackeni
brown-haltered mimic fly, brown-haltered bee-mimic fly
Mallota sackeni is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) native to western North America. The species is known for its bee-mimicry, a common defensive adaptation among syrphid flies. Adults are active pollinators, while larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments typical of the tribe Eristalini. The species has been documented from British Columbia to southern California and eastward to Idaho and Utah.
Megasyrphus catalina
Yellow-legged Gossamer
Megasyrphus catalina is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1930. The species is known by the common name 'Yellow-legged Gossamer.' As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae and tribe Syrphini, it belongs to a diverse group of flies commonly known as flower flies or hoverflies, many of which are important pollinators. The specific epithet 'catalina' likely references the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona, suggesting a southwestern North American distribution. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Megasyrphus laxus
black-legged gossamer fly, Black-legged Gossamer
Megasyrphus laxus, the black-legged gossamer fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species found across North America. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is capable of hovering flight. Larval stages remain undescribed.
Melangyna
Halfbands
Melangyna is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with subgenera in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. Adults are frequent flower visitors, while larvae are predatory on aphids. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in behavior and morphology, with males typically larger than females and showing distinct foraging and habitat exploration patterns.
Melangyna arctica
Alder Halfband
Melangyna arctica is a Holarctic hoverfly species distributed across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. The species is strongly associated with coniferous and deciduous woodlands, where adults visit flowers of trees and herbs during spring. Larvae develop as predators on aphids in arboreal habitats.
Melangyna coei
Coe's Halfband
Melangyna coei is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Nielsen in 1971. The species is known from Norway and Sweden, and has been assigned the common name 'Coe's Halfband' in iNaturalist. As a member of the genus Melangyna, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized hoverflies commonly associated with coniferous and mixed forests.
Melangyna lasiophthalma
Hairy-eyed Halfband
Melangyna lasiophthalma is a Holarctic hoverfly species with a broad distribution across northern temperate regions. Adults are active in spring, visiting diverse flowering plants in wooded and semi-open habitats. The species is associated with deciduous and coniferous forests, riparian woodlands, and anthropogenic environments including gardens and orchards.
Melanostoma
Melanostoma is a large genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) established by Schiner in 1860. Members of this genus are small, slender flies with relatively simple coloration compared to many other syrphids. Biological information remains limited; adults have been observed visiting flowers, while larvae are suspected to be general predators of small insects in leaf litter and ground-level vegetation.
Melanostoma mellinum
Variable Duskyface Fly
Melanostoma mellinum is a widespread and abundant hoverfly species native to the Palearctic region, with introduced populations in North America. It is one of the most commonly recorded syrphid flies in Britain and Europe, frequently encountered in agricultural landscapes including vineyards, grasslands, and wetlands. The species has been studied for its response to landscape structure, showing increased abundance in areas with greater proportions of seminatural habitats.
Meligramma guttata
Spotted Roundtail
Meligramma guttata is a Holarctic species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is commonly known as the Spotted Roundtail. The species has been recorded across parts of Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. As a member of the Syrphidae, it likely exhibits the typical hoverfly behavior of visiting flowers for nectar and pollen, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Meligramma triangulifera
Variable Roundtail
Meligramma triangulifera is a hoverfly species first described from Europe in 1843. Taxonomic revisions have synonymized several Nearctic species names (M. tenuis, M. cincta) under this species, expanding its recognized range. Identification keys exist for both adult and puparial stages. The species has been recorded across Europe and the Nearctic region.
Merodontini
Merodontini is a tribe of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) within the subfamily Eristalinae. The tribe includes genera such as Merodon, Eumerus, and Psilota. Larvae of Merodon and Eumerus tunnel into plant bulbs, while Psilota larvae have been found in sap runs. Some species, particularly Eumerus strigatus, are phytophagous and pose potential risks to agricultural crops such as onion (Allium cepa). The tribe has been recorded across multiple continents including the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Neotropical regions, with new species and distribution records continuing to be documented.
Microdon
Ant Flies
Microdon is a genus of hover flies (Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, containing approximately 249 species worldwide with greatest diversity in the tropics. The genus is notable for its myrmecophilous lifestyle: adults remain near ant colonies rather than visiting flowers, and larvae develop inside ant nests. Adults are morphologically atypical for hover flies—sedentary, robust, very hairy, and often bee-like in appearance. Larvae are dome-shaped, slug-like, and slow-moving, with spiracles on a peg-like posterior protuberance. The genus has historically served as a catch-all for unrelated species, and ongoing taxonomic revision is expected to reassign many species to other genera.
Microdon globosus
Globular Ant Fly
Microdon globosus is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Globular Ant Fly. Like other members of the genus Microdon, it belongs to a distinctive group of hover flies whose larvae develop within ant colonies. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1805 and has been documented in museum collections and citizen science observations, though detailed natural history information remains limited.
Microdon lanceolatus
Spear-horned Ant Fly
Microdon lanceolatus is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Spear-horned Ant Fly. Like other members of the genus Microdon, it is presumed to have an ant-associated life cycle, with larvae developing within ant colonies. The species was described by Adams in 1903. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification.
Microdon pallipennis
Microdon pallipennis is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) described by Curran in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Microdontinae, a group whose larvae are known to develop within ant colonies. The species was included in a 2023 Illinois Natural History Survey study that digitized and identified historic hover fly specimens, contributing to updated species range data for the region.
Microdon ruficrus
spiny-shield ant fly
An uncommon syrphid fly of the eastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are metallic greenish or bluish black with distinctive cupreous thoracic stripes and a spiny scutellum. Larvae develop within nests of the ant Lasius americanus. The species is one of approximately 6,200 described syrphid flies worldwide.
Microdon tristis
Long-horned Ant Fly
Microdon tristis is a syrphid fly in the subfamily Microdontinae, commonly known as the Long-horned Ant Fly. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing venation and facial structure. Adults are characterized by distinctive bronze-black coloration with greenish and purplish metallic reflections, and are associated with ant colonies as larvae.
Milesia scutellata
Yellow-backed Giant
Milesia scutellata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hull in 1924. It belongs to the genus Milesia, which includes several large, wasp-mimicking species found in North America. The species is known from the southeastern United States, ranging from southeast Oklahoma to North Carolina. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging wasps, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Milesiini
Xylotini
Milesiini is a large, diverse tribe of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. Adults frequently exhibit mimicry of wasps or hornets. The tribe encompasses numerous genera including Milesia, Xylota, Syritta, Chalcosyrphus, Blera, and Criorhina. Many species are saproxylic, with larvae developing in decaying wood or under bark.
Mixogaster breviventris
Slender Ant Fly
Mixogaster breviventris is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae. The species was described by Kahl in 1897. It is known by the common name Slender Ant Fly. As a member of the Microdontinae, it belongs to a group of hoverflies whose larvae are associated with ant colonies.
Mixogaster fattigi
Fattig's Ant Fly
Mixogaster fattigi is a species of ant-mimicking hoverfly (family Syrphidae, subfamily Microdontinae) described in 2019. The genus Mixogaster belongs to the tribe Microdontini, a group whose larvae are known to develop within ant colonies as inquilines or predators of ant brood. The specific epithet honors entomologist Delbert La Rue Fattig. The species is part of a lineage exhibiting remarkable morphological convergence with ants, representing an evolutionary strategy to avoid predation while foraging or accessing ant-associated resources.
Monoceromyia floridensis
Rufous Wasp Fly
Monoceromyia floridensis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Shannon in 1922. As a member of the tribe Cerioidini, it belongs to a group of wasp-mimicking syrphid flies. The species is known from Florida and surrounding regions of the southeastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Myathropa
Myathropa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) distributed across Europe, North Africa, and extending into parts of Asia. Adults are active from May to September and are frequently observed visiting flowers. The genus includes at least three described species: M. florea, M. semenovi, and M. usta. Some species exhibit Batesian mimicry of social wasps.