Syrphidae
Guides
Toxomerus jussiaeae
Orange-backed Calligrapher
Toxomerus jussiaeae is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Vigé in 1939. It belongs to the genus Toxomerus, a diverse group of small syrphid flies with over 144 species in the Neotropics. The species is known by the common name "Orange-backed Calligrapher." Like other members of its genus, it is likely a pollinator as an adult, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Toxomerus marginatus
Margined Calligrapher, Margined Calligrapher Fly
Toxomerus marginatus is a common North American hoverfly (Syrphidae) measuring 5–6 mm. Adults are frequent flower visitors, while larvae are predatory on thrips, aphids, and small caterpillars. The species has been documented as the most numerous syrphid controlling aphids in California Central Coast lettuce fields. It exhibits strong attraction to methyl salicylate, a floral compound and herbivore-induced plant volatile.
Toxomerus mutuus
Toxomerus mutuus is a small hover fly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, first described by Thomas Say in 1829. Adults are active pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The genus Toxomerus is highly diverse in the Neotropics with over 144 species, though this species occurs in North America. Larval biology for most Toxomerus species remains poorly documented, with some species known to be pollen feeders and others predatory.
Toxomerus parvulus
Black-backed Calligrapher
Toxomerus parvulus is a small hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-backed Calligrapher. The genus Toxomerus is exceptionally diverse in the Neotropics, with over 144 species, though many remain understudied. Larval feeding habits in this genus have historically been assumed to be predatory, but some species have been discovered to feed on pollen, indicating dietary diversity within the genus.
Toxomerus verticalis
Banded Calligrapher
Toxomerus verticalis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Banded Calligrapher. It belongs to the genus Toxomerus, a group of small hover flies noted for their bee-mimicking appearance and ecological versatility. The species was described by Curran in 1927. As a member of the Syrphidae family, adults are likely pollinators, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Trichopsomyia
Trichopsomyia is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) established by Williston in 1888. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across multiple continents. Adults are typical hoverflies with large compound eyes and a single pair of wings. Larvae are flattened, legless, and aphid predators. The genus belongs to the tribe Pipizini within subfamily Eristalinae.
Trichopsomyia banksi
White-faced Psyllid-killer
Trichopsomyia banksi is an uncommon species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across North America. Adults are known as flower flies and visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species has earned the common name "white-faced psyllid killer" though the specific larval biology of this species remains undocumented. Other members of the genus Trichopsomyia are known predators of psyllids, aphids, and Phylloxera.
Tropidia
flower flies, hover flies
Tropidia is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing approximately 20 species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. These flower flies are characterized by their distinctive wing venation and often bold color patterns. The genus includes four species recorded from Northeastern North America, with Tropidia albistylum recently documented in Canada. Species in this genus are typically found in forested habitats and are associated with flowers for nectar feeding.
Tropidia quadrata
Common Thick-leg Fly, Common Thickleg Fly
Tropidia quadrata is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found across north-central North America. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are aquatic, a distinctive trait within the family. The species is notable for its thickened hind legs, which give rise to its common name.
Victoriana
Victoriana is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Miranda in 2020. The genus belongs to the tribe Syrphini within the subfamily Syrphinae. As a recently described taxon, biological and ecological information remains limited. The genus is known from observations and taxonomic records but detailed species-level accounts are not yet widely published.
Xanthogramma
Harlequin Flies
Xanthogramma is a genus of medium-sized hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as harlequin flies. Most species exhibit black and yellow coloration with somewhat wasp-like appearance. Larvae are aphidophagous predators, feeding on aphid populations in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Adults visit flowers but do not share the predatory habits of larvae. The genus occurs across the Palaearctic region including Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Xylota angustiventris
Two-spotted Leafwalker
Xylota angustiventris is an uncommon syrphid fly species found in northeastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies measuring 12.2–14.4 mm, predominantly black with two distinct yellow spots on the abdomen in males. The species belongs to the genus Xylota, whose larvae typically develop in decaying wood or tree holes where they feed on sap or decaying organic matter rather than being predatory. Adults are associated with flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen.
Xylota annulifera
Longspine Leafwalker
Xylota annulifera, described by Bigot in 1884, is an uncommon syrphid fly occurring across Canada and the eastern United States. Adults are medium-sized hover flies measuring 7.5–11.8 mm, characterized by black bodies with yellow abdominal spots. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae develop under bark in sap runs, though specific larval biology for this species is not well documented. Adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, typical of the Syrphidae family.
Xylota bicolor
Eastern Orange-tailed Leafwalker
Xylota bicolor is a rare species of syrphid fly found across the eastern half of North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies with distinctive black bodies and orange abdomens. Unlike many flower flies, adults rarely visit flowers, instead feeding on pollen from leaf surfaces. The larvae develop under bark in sap runs of deciduous trees.