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.
Eristalinae are one of the four subfamilies of the fly family Syrphidae, or hoverflies. A well-known species included in this subfamily is the dronefly, Eristalis tenax.
Cheilosia illustrata is a species of hoverfly belonging to the family Syrphidae.
The Brachyopini is a tribe of hoverflies. Unlike many members of this family these flies are generally darker and less colourful though some genera contain species with an attractive metallic lustre e.g. Chrysogaster. Some like Brachyopa are associated with sap runs where their larvae feed on decaying sap. Others are found in boggy areas where their often semiaquatic larvae feed on decaying organic matter.
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 longula is a Palearctic hoverfly.
Cheilosia psilophthalma is a Palearctic hoverfly closely related and very similar to Cheilosia latigenis, Cheilosia mutabilis and Cheilosia urbana . It is a rare and little known species recorded from Scandinavia, Ireland, Britain, France, Poland, Switzerland, Greece, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine and European Russia. Flowers visited include Acer platanoides, Anemone nemorosa, Primula veris, Prunus spinosa and Salix spp. Cheilosia psilophthalma flies in April and May. Open, grassy areas within sparse woodland and unimproved, montane subalpine grassland are preferred habitats. Larvae are recorded as developing in Hieracium pilosella and Hieracium caespitosum.
Cheilosia fraterna is a Palearctic hoverfly.
Cheilosia latrans, the steely blacklet, is a very common species of syrphid fly observed in 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. Larvae when known are plant feeders.
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.
Cheilosia caltha, the prairie blacklet, is a fairly 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.
Cheilosia capillata, the scar-horned blacklet, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the northeastern United States. 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.
Cheilosia comosa , the prairie blacklet, is a species of syrphid fly observed in 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.
Cheilosia pallipes, the yellow-shouldered blacklet, is a common species of syrphid fly observed in eastern 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.
Cheilosia prima, the swarthy blacklet, is a common species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern half 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. Larvae when known are plant feeders.
Hiatomyia cyanescens, the cobalt deltawing, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the northeastern United States. 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 are unknown.
Heringia rita, the black-faced spikeleg, is a common species of syrphid fly observed in many locations 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 reared from Adelges piceae and Eriosoma lanigerium.
Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.
Hiatomyia cyanea, the azure deltawing, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in the northeastern United States. 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 are unknown.
Hiatomyia cyanea, the mountain deltawing, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in the northwestern United States .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 are unknown.
