Hover flies of the genus Microdon are unusual among the Diptera. Like other members of the subfamily, they are myrmecophiles, meaning they inhabit the nests of ants.
Xylota is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies similar in structure to the related genera Chalcosyrphus and Brachypalpoides. As the larvae are saprophytic they're usually found in rotting wood. The adult flies are generally associated with woodland and woodland edges and can often be seen running over the upper sides of leaves. Unlike other syrphids the adults of many species rarely visit flowers preferring instead to gather pollen from leaf surfaces. There are over 100 described species of which 12 can be found in Europe. Seven species have been recorded in Britain. Identification of species has been difficult and identifiction by photographs is risky.
Chalcosyrphus is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Eristalinae. Many species exhibit some degree of mimicry of various sawflies and other hymenopterans and are often brightly coloured or metallic in hue. The adults are similar in structure and behavior to the related genus Xylota but differ in larval morphology. They can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America and seem to prefer damper, boggy habitats. The larvae are saproxylic feeders in rotten wood in these habitats.
Charles Howard Curran was a Canadian entomologist who specialized in Diptera. Curran's main taxonomic interests were in brachyceran flies, particularly the flower flies Syrphidae, in which he described 723 species. He described 2,648 species over his career. He was active in the study of insect control. His 1934 work The Families and Genera of North American Diptera was an important and comprehensive work on the topic of North American fly genera.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) curvaria the Yellow-haltered Leafwalker, is a common species of syrphid fly found throughout Northern North America. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found on flowers from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein rich pollen.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) inarmatus, the Yellow-haired Leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found across northern North America. Hoverflies are able to remain nearly motionless in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found around and on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen.
Spilomyia crandalli, Crandall's Hornet Fly, is a rare species of syrphid fly first officially described by Curran in 1951. This species is found in western North America near the Pacific coast. Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found around and on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. The larvae are known as the short-tailed larvae, suited for moist areas such as rot holes of trees.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) plesia, the Black-hipped Leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly and a mimic of Sphex nudus. This fly is found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless while in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found around and on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen.
Criorhina nigriventris , the Bare-cheeked Bumble Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed across the northern United States, the Appalachian Mountains and southern Canada. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. The larvae of this genus are found in decaying wood.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) metallicus, the Yellow-legged Leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the southeastern United States. Hoverflies are able to remain nearly motionless while in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found around and on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen.
Temnostoma barberi , the Bare-bellied Falsehorn, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern half of the United States and adjacent areas of Canada. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. Temnostoma adults are strong wasp mimics. The larvae burrow in moist decayed wood.
Chalcosyrphus depressus the Wide-eyed Leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed from Idaho and Montana. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen.
Lejota cyanea , the Cobalt Trunksitter, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the northeast and west coast of North America. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. The larvae of this genus are found in decaying tree roots.
Xylota confusa ,, the Confusing Leafwalker , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed across Northern North America. Syrphid flies are also known as Hover Flies or Flower Flies because the adults are frequently found hovering around flowers from which they feed on nectar and pollen. Adults are 9.3–12.6 mm (0.37–0.50 in) long. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Xylota naknek , the Naknek Leafwalker , is a fairly common species of syrphid fly observed across Canada and the Northeastern United States. Syrphid flies are also known as Hover Flies or Flower Flies because the adults are frequently found hovering around flowers from which they feed on nectar and pollen. Adults are 9.1–12.8 mm (0.36–0.50 in) long. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Xylota flavifrons ,, the Northern Leafwalker , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the northeastern United States and all across Canada. Syrphid flies are also known as Hover Flies or Flower Flies because the adults are frequently found hovering around flowers from which they feed on nectar and pollen. Adults are 9.4–14.7 mm (0.37–0.58 in) long. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Xylota hinei , ( ), the Hine's Leafwalker , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in Eastern Canada. Syrphid flies are also known as Hover Flies or Flower Flies because the adults are frequently found hovering around flowers from which they feed on nectar and pollen. Adults are 7.8–12.9 mm (0.31–0.51 in) long, black with yellow spots. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Hammerschmidtia rufa, the black-bristled logsitter, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed across North America. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found on flowers from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. Larvae have been found under bark of aspen, elm, walnut, and willow. Described as Hammerschmidtia ferruginea by Curran.
Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.
