Hover flies, also called flower flies or syrphid flies, make up the insect family Syrphidae. As their common name suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.
Cheilosia albipila is a European and Palearctic species of hoverfly. Like most Cheilosia it is black, and because of this may often be overlooked as a hoverfly. It is little recorded but probably widespread and common and maybe overlooked because adult flight periods are early in the year, before many hoverfly recorders are active.
Cheilosia fasciata is a European species of hoverfly. Like most Cheilosia it is mostly black,
Cheilosia illustrata is a species of hoverfly belonging to the family Syrphidae.
Cheilosia variabilis, common name figwort cheilosia, is a species of hoverfly belonging to the family Syrphidae.
Cheilosia mutabilis is a European species of hoverfly. Like most Cheilosia it is black, and because of this may often be overlooked as a hoverfly. It is little recorded, and is considered rare and scarce throughout most of its range.
Cheilosia pagana is a Holarctic species of hoverfly. Like most Cheilosia it is black, and because of this may often be overlooked as a hoverfly. One identifying feature is a large red to orange 3rd antennal segment.
Cheilosia grossa is a widespread European species of hoverfly. Adults can be found in spring on sallow catkins and the larvae tunnel in the stems of various thistle species.
Cheilosia albitarsis is an abundant European species of hoverfly. Adults can be found in spring visiting buttercup flowers and this plant is also the larval hostplant.
Cheilosia bergenstammi is a widespread European species of hoverfly. Adults can be found in summer visiting ragwort flowers and this plant is also the larval hostplant.
Cheilosia impressa is a Palearctic species of hoverfly. Like most members of its genus C. impressa is a rather small, dark insect and identification can be problematic.
Cheilosia semifasciata is a Palearctic hoverfly.
Cheilosia barbata is a Palearctic hoverfly.
Cheilosia fraterna is a Palearctic hoverfly.
Cheilosia griseiventris is a Palearctic hoverfly. It is not considered as distinct from Cheilosia latifrons by most European workers. It is variously treated in other and older works.
Cheilosia lasiopa is a Palearctic hoverfly. This species was previously misidentified as Cheilosia honesta.
Cheilosia praecox is a Palearctic hoverfly. Speight et al. (1998) indicate that the correct name for this species is C.urbana (Meigen)
Cheilosia sahlbergi is a Palearctic hoverfly.
Cheilosia orilliaensis, the black-backed blacklet, is a common 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 when known are plant feeders.
