The subfamily Microdontinae contains slightly more than 400 species of hoverflies and, while diverse, these species share several characteristics by which they differ from other syrphids. The Microdontinae are myrmecophiles, meaning they live in the nests of ants. Larval Microdontinae are scavengers or predators in ant nests, and, in contrast to other syrphid larvae, have no readily apparent body segmentation. Some species also do not exhibit the typical adult flower-visiting behaviour of other hoverflies, but instead remain near their larval host colonies.
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.
Spilomyia is a genus of hoverflies. Many species in the genus show Batesian mimicry of wasp models, including black and yellow patterns and modified antenna shape.
The genus Chrysotoxum consists of large, wasp-mimicking species. The adults are distinguished by very long antennae, oval abdomen with yellow stripes, and yellow patterns on the thoracic pleurae . The species of Chrysotoxum are chiefly Holarctic in distribution. . The species in this genus,, are mostly very uniform in structure and colour and are separated with difficulty. Larvae are specialized in preying upon root aphids associated with ant nests.
Platycheirus is a large genus of hoverflies. They are also called sedgesitters.
Criorhina is a genus of hoverflies.Medium to large sized species, black or greenish black, with or without light ground markings mimicking bumblebees .The head is much flattened and broader than the thorax. The antennae are situated upon a prominent conical frontal process, The face is moderately produced below the eyes, downward or forward, in profile. The eyes are bare. The abdomen is elliptical or very short oval. .Larvae found in rot holes or decaying hardwoods
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.
Chymophila is a subgenus of the hoverfly genus Microdon. It was previously considered to be exclusively Neotropical, but is now also known from the Nearctic and Oriental realms, and one species is known from Japan. Chymophila was based on a composite type species: the holotype is a body of C. fulgens with the head of a conopid glued on.
Mixogaster is a genus of hoverflies native to North America and South America, with 21 known species. Mixogaster is distinct by lacking an appendix on vein R4+5, having a reduced and bare metasternum, an unarmed scutellum, and usually an appendix on vein M extending in cell R4+5. Larvae are found in ant nests.
The Milesiini is a large and diverse tribe of hoverflies. They mimic wasps or hornets.
Ocyptamus is a large and diverse genus of over 200 species of hoverfly mostly found in the Neotropical region. It is likely that many of these species will be discovered to be synonyms though many others await description.
Palpada is a genus of 85 neotropical and nearctic flower flies or hoverflies
Meromacrus is a genus of 43 neotropical and nearctic flower flies or hoverflies
Salpingogaster is a genus of syrphid flies in the family Syrphidae. There are at least 30 described species in Salpingogaster.
Peradon is a genus of hoverfly from the Neotropical realm, containing 31 species. Many of the species were originally described in the genus Microdon.
Orphnabaccha is a genus of hoverfly in the Neotropical region, formerly included in the genus Ocyptamus, which was split after researchers determined it was not monophyletic.
Sterphus is a genus of hoverflies.
