Syrphidae
Guides
Myathropa florea
Batman hoverfly, Yellow-haired Sun Fly
Myathropa florea is a common Palearctic hoverfly in the tribe Eristalini, often called the Batman hoverfly due to the distinctive skull-like pattern on its thorax. Adults are active flower visitors from May to October and are notable for their wasp-mimicking appearance. The species has become adventive in western North America since 2005. Larvae develop in waterlogged organic detritus, particularly in tree rot holes.
Myolepta
Pegleg Flies
Myolepta is a cosmopolitan genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the tribe Brachyopini, most closely related to the genus Lepidomyia. The genus contains species distributed across the Indomalayan Realm, West Palaearctic, and Nearctic regions. One Chinese species, Myolepta sinica, has been documented with host plant associations.
Myolepta pretiosa
Myolepta pretiosa is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Hull in 1923. It belongs to the tribe Brachyopini, a group characterized by larvae that develop in decaying wood and sap runs. The genus Myolepta comprises relatively uncommon species with limited documented observations.
Nausigaster geminata
Armored Dimpleback
Nausigaster geminata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Merodontini. It is commonly known as the Armored Dimpleback. The species was described by Townsend in 1897. As a syrphid fly, it likely exhibits typical hoverfly behaviors including flower visitation for nectar and pollen feeding, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Nausigaster scutellaris
Plain-winged Dimpleback
Nausigaster scutellaris is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Merodontini, described by Adams in 1904. The common name "Plain-winged Dimpleback" has been assigned to this species on iNaturalist, though published biological information remains sparse. As a member of the subfamily Eristalinae, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies whose larvae typically develop in decaying organic matter or other moist substrates.
Nausigaster unimaculata
Single-spotted Dimpleback
A syrphid fly in the tribe Merodontini, characterized by a single prominent spot on the abdomen. The species is documented across multiple sources and has accumulated over 100 research-grade observations. It belongs to a genus of small hoverflies commonly known as dimplebacks.
Neoascia
Fen Flies
Neoascia is a genus of small hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by black and yellow or mostly black coloration with a narrow, wasp-like waist between the thorax and abdomen. Adults are typically found in damp, low-vegetation habitats including fens, marshes, and pond margins. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records across Northern and Central Europe, Western Siberia, and Scandinavia. Larvae are saprophagous, developing in wet organic matter such as decaying vegetation, compost, and wet manure associated with aquatic margins.
Neocnemodon
Smoothleg fly
Neocnemodon is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, distributed across North America and Europe. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized flies with distinctive smooth legs, a trait reflected in their common name 'Smoothleg fly'. The genus was established by Goffe in 1944 and is classified within the tribe Pipizini. Larvae are known to be predatory, feeding on specific aphid species associated with various host plants.
Nuntianus
Nuntianus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Miranda in 2020. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini, a diverse group of flower-visiting flies. The genus was established relatively recently, and its species are found in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus share morphological characteristics that distinguish them from related syrphine genera, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Nuntianus cubanus
Nuntianus cubanus is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) endemic to Cuba. Originally described as Baccha cubana by Hull in 1943, it was later transferred to the genus Nuntianus. The genus Nuntianus is a small group of Neotropical hoverflies characterized by elongated bodies and reduced wing venation. Information on the biology and ecology of this species remains limited.
Ocyptamus gastrostactus
Spotted Hover Fly
Ocyptamus gastrostactus is a predatory hover fly in the family Syrphidae. Its larvae are specialized predators of aphids, with documented predation on Sarucallis kahawaluokalani on Lagerstroemia indica in Panama. The species serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pachyneuron albutius, which parasitizes its pupae. It is widely distributed across Brazil and has been recorded in Panama.
Ornidia obesa
Green Jewel Fly
Ornidia obesa is a metallic green syrphid fly widely distributed across the Americas and introduced to the Old World. Adults are frequently observed in association with decomposing organic matter, particularly animal feces and compost. The species has been documented as a host for pteromalid parasitoids and is noted for harboring bacteria of public health significance.
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.
Orphnabaccha coerulea
A species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Williston in 1891. The genus Orphnabaccha is part of the diverse Syrphinae subfamily, whose members are commonly known as flower flies. Species in this genus are typically associated with tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Orphnabaccha jactator
Yellow-legged Hover Fly
Orphnabaccha jactator is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-legged Hover Fly. It belongs to a small genus of syrphid flies characterized by distinctive leg coloration. The species was described by Hermann Loew in 1861. Like other members of Syrphidae, it is likely a pollinator as an adult, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Orthonevra bellula
Three-lined Mucksucker
Orthonevra bellula is a rare species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Williston in 1882 as Chrysogater bellulus, with a lectotype later designated. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extend into the Neotropical region. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen.
Orthonevra nitida
Wavy Mucksucker
Orthonevra nitida, commonly known as the Wavy Mucksucker, is a small syrphid fly (4–5 mm) native to eastern and central North America. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extends into the Neotropical region. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blooms. The species exhibits distinctive metallic coloration and wing markings that aid in identification. Larvae of this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though O. nitida larvae specifically have not been described.
Orthonevra pictipennis
Dusky-veined Mucksucker
Orthonevra pictipennis, known as the Dusky-veined Mucksucker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in North America. Adults are small flower flies, measuring 5.5–6 mm in length, with distinctive metallic bronze-green and coppery coloration. The species shares much of its range with congeners O. pulchella, O. nitida, and O. feei. Larvae for this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though larvae of O. pictipennis specifically have not been described.
Palpada agrorum
Double-banded Plushback
Palpada agrorum is a common syrphid fly commonly known as the Double-banded Plushback. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, possessing an extensible posterior breathing siphon. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and belongs to the agrorum species group within the genus Palpada.
Palpada albifrons
White-faced Plushback
Palpada albifrons is a rare species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) characterized by its distinctive white-faced appearance and aquatic larval stage. Adults are medium-sized flower flies commonly found on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species has a disjunct distribution, occurring from Mexico northward along coastal areas of the United States, with additional records from South America. The larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that inhabit organic-rich standing water.
Palpada mexicana
Golden Plushback
Palpada mexicana, commonly known as the Golden Plushback, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species was originally described as Eristalis mexicanus by Macquart in 1847 and later transferred to the genus Palpada. As a member of the tribe Eristalini, its larvae are rat-tailed maggots adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with low oxygen levels. The species has been documented in 1,829 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is relatively well-represented in citizen science records.
Palpada pusilla
Bicolored Plushback
Palpada pusilla is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bicolored Plushback. It is a member of the tribe Eristalini, which includes species whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their distinctive posterior breathing siphon. The species has been documented across all 27 states of Brazil based on distribution records. Adult flies are pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic environments.
Palpada texana
Wide-eyed Plushback
Palpada texana is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats typical of the Eristalina subtribe. The species was described by Hull in 1925. Adults are presumably pollinators, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.
Paragus
Grass Skimmer Flies
Paragus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 100 species distributed worldwide except Antarctica. The genus is notable for its predatory larvae that feed on aphids, making it an important group for biological control. Adults are frequently observed visiting small flowering plants for nectar and pollen. Several subgenera are recognized, including Afroparagus, Pandasyopthalmus, Paragus, and Serratoparagus.
Paragus haemorrhous
Black-backed Grass Skimmer, Common Grass Skimmer
Paragus haemorrhous is a small hoverfly species distributed across Europe, Africa, and the Nearctic. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids on low herbaceous plants. The species is active from May through September and occupies diverse open habitats including grasslands, heathlands, and forest edges.
Parasyrphus
Bristleside Flies
Parasyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising 31 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Adults are small to medium-sized (5.6–11 mm) with characteristic yellow abdominal markings. The genus exhibits notable larval trophic diversity: most known larvae are aphid predators on trees, while at least two species (P. nigritarsis and P. melanderi) are specialist predators of leaf beetle eggs and larvae. This dietary specialization is unusual among syrphid flies and involves sophisticated chemical ecology where predators exploit prey defensive secretions as foraging cues.
Parasyrphus genualis
Common Bristleside
Parasyrphus genualis is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Williston in 1887. It was originally described under the genus Syrphus before being moved to Parasyrphus. The species has been documented in North America with at least 21 observations on iNaturalist. As a member of Syrphidae, it belongs to a family known for pollination services and, in many species, predatory larvae that feed on aphids.
Parasyrphus relictus
Parasyrphus relictus is a hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. The genus Parasyrphus comprises predatory hoverflies whose larvae feed on aphids. This species has been recorded in northern Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. As with other members of its genus, it likely occupies temperate woodland and wetland habitats where aphid prey are abundant.
Parasyrphus tarsatus
Holarctic Bristleside
Parasyrphus tarsatus is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. It is native to Europe, with confirmed records from Norway and Sweden. The species is part of the diverse genus Parasyrphus, which comprises predatory syrphid flies whose larvae feed on aphids. Adults are likely active during the warmer months, though specific phenological details remain poorly documented.
Parhelophilus divisus
Yellow-legged Bog Fly
Parhelophilus divisus is a rare syrphid fly species known as the yellow-legged bog fly, documented primarily from the northeastern United States. The species exhibits the characteristic hoverfly ability to remain nearly motionless in flight. Adults are flower-associated, feeding on nectar and pollen, while larvae possess the distinctive long-tailed "rat-tailed" morphology typical of many Eristalinae.
Pelecinobaccha
A genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, endemic to the Neotropical region. Formerly treated as part of the paraphyletic genus Ocyptamus, it was reinstated as a distinct genus based on phylogenetic evidence. The genus contains four species groups and approximately 49 species, many described in a 2014 revision. Adults are presumably pollinators like other syrphid flies, though specific biological data remain poorly documented.
Pelecinobaccha costata
Cobalt Hover Fly
Pelecinobaccha costata, commonly known as the cobalt hover fly, is a North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species is recognized by its distinctive coloration and is distributed across southern Ontario and the eastern United States. Its larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, making it a beneficial species in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Pelecocera pergandei
Eastern Bighorn Fly
Pelecocera pergandei is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Eastern Bighorn Fly. It belongs to the tribe Rhingiini within the hoverfly family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1884. Records of this species remain sparse, with limited observational data available.
Pipiza
Pitheads
Pipiza is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) containing approximately 12 European species. Adults are predominantly dark-colored and resemble small bees or wasps. The genus is notable for its specialized larval ecology: larvae are predaceous, feeding exclusively on gall-forming aphids on foliage. Species show strong association with forested landscapes, particularly deciduous forests and forest edges. Climate modeling indicates high distributional stability across Europe, with potential northward shifts in species diversity.
Pipiza quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Pipiza
Pipiza quadrimaculata is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, first described by Georg Wolfgang Franz Panzer in 1802. The species epithet "quadrimaculata" (meaning "four-spotted") refers to characteristic markings on the wings or body. It belongs to the tribe Pipizini, a group of small to medium-sized hoverflies often associated with woodland and wetland habitats. The species has been recorded in Belgium with presence confirmed across multiple administrative regions.
Pipizinae
Pitheads & Kin
Pipizinae is a subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) containing approximately 70 species across eight extant genera. Formerly classified as a tribe within Eristalinae, molecular phylogenetic studies published in 2015 reinstated it as a distinct subfamily, sister to Syrphinae. Members are small to medium-sized flies, predominantly black in coloration with some species displaying orange abdominal markings. The subfamily is notable for its specialized larval predation on aphids, particularly wax-secreting species.
Platycheirus hyperboreus
Pearly Sedgesitter
Platycheirus hyperboreus, commonly known as the Pearly Sedgesitter, is a small hoverfly (Syrphidae) distributed across boreal and arctic regions of North America and northern Europe. Adults are 5.3–8.7 mm in length and exhibit distinctive abdominal patterning with pale spots on dark segments. The species is recognized by its modified front legs, which are yellow with gradually dilated tibiae—an adaptation associated with its common name. It occurs in northern latitudes ranging from Alaska and Greenland through Scandinavia to northern Siberia.
Platycheirus kelloggi
Broad-bodied Sedgesitter
Platycheirus kelloggi is a rare species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) endemic to western North America. The species is distinguished by its broad, oval abdomen with dull orange spots and distinctive leg morphology in males. It has been documented from Alaska south to southern California and in the Rocky Mountains, including Canada.
Platycheirus scutatus
hoverfly
Platycheirus scutatus is a very common Holarctic hoverfly with a wide distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are notable pollinators that feed on diverse flowers, while larvae are aphid predators. The species has an exceptionally long flight period and may remain active during cold weather. Multiple broods occur throughout warmer months.
Platycheirus stegnus
Greater Punctate Sedgesitter
Platycheirus stegnus is a hoverfly (Syrphidae) commonly known as the Greater Punctate Sedgesitter. It belongs to a genus characterized by elongated legs and distinctive wing venation. Like other syrphids, adults are likely nectar feeders, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1829.
Platycheirus thylax
Yellow-legged Sedgesitter
Platycheirus thylax is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Hull in 1944. It is commonly known as the Yellow-legged Sedgesitter. Like other members of the genus Platycheirus, it is a small fly associated with wetland vegetation. The species is rarely recorded, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Polybiomyia bellardii
Red-legged Wasp Fly
A small hoverfly (Syrphidae) known for its striking wasp-mimicking appearance. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, with a slender body and contrasting coloration. Adults have been documented across multiple observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The common name refers to its distinctive red leg coloration.
Polybiomyia macquarti
Short-horned Wasp Fly
Polybiomyia macquarti is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Shannon in 1925. It is known by the common name Short-horned Wasp Fly. As a member of the tribe Cerioidini, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies that exhibit wasp mimicry. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and GBIF with accepted taxonomic status. Available records from iNaturalist indicate it is rarely observed, with only 12 documented observations.
Polybiomyia townsendi
Yellowshield Wasp Fly
Polybiomyia townsendi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Cerioidini. It is commonly known as the Yellowshield Wasp Fly. The species was described by Snow in 1895 and is currently accepted as valid. Like other members of the genus Polybiomyia, it is a wasp-mimicking syrphid fly. The genus belongs to a group of hoverflies that exhibit Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera.
Polydontomyia curvipes
Dimorphic Sickleleg
Polydontomyia curvipes, commonly known as the dimorphic sickleleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) and the sole member of its monotypic genus. Formerly classified under Lejops, it was reassigned to the resurrected genus Polydontomyia based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in leg structure, with males possessing the distinctive curved hind legs referenced in its specific epithet. As a member of the Eristalini tribe, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats typical of rat-tail maggot flies.
Pseudoscaeva
Pseudoscaeva is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) endemic to the Neotropical region. The genus was erected by Vockeroth in 1969 to accommodate species formerly placed in Ocyptamus, which was determined to be polyphyletic. Four species are currently recognized: P. diversifasciata, P. meridionalis, P. schoenemanni, and P. sericea. At least one species, P. meridionalis, has been introduced to Chile and is considered potentially invasive.
Pseudoscaeva diversifasciata
Silver-banded Hover Fly
Pseudoscaeva diversifasciata, commonly known as the Silver-banded Hover Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The genus Pseudoscaeva contains relatively few species and is distinguished from the similar genus Scaeva by subtle morphological differences. This species exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, a common trait among syrphid flies. Observations suggest it occurs in the Americas, though detailed natural history documentation remains limited.
Psilota
Psilota is a genus of small hoverflies in the family Syrphidae. Adults are characterized by black coloration, long wings, and the absence of a vena spuria—a wing feature present in most other hoverfly genera. The genus is most diverse in Australia, where 34 species have been documented, though it also occurs in Europe and other regions. Larvae are known to feed on tree sap.
Pterallastes
Pterallastes is a genus of bee-mimicking hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Loew in 1863. The genus contains four recognized species with a disjunct distribution: one species in North America (P. thoracicus), one in Japan (P. unicolor), and two in China (P. bomboides, P. bettyae). These flies exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees, a common defensive strategy in the subfamily Eristalinae.
Pterallastes thoracicus
goldenback fly, Orangeback syrphid fly
Pterallastes thoracicus is a syrphid fly commonly known as the goldenback fly or orangeback syrphid fly. It is an uncommon species observed across central and eastern United States, with recent records expanding its known range into Canada. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae of this species remain unknown.