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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 identification 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.
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
Blera is primarily a North American genus, though there are 3 species from Europe. The genus is characterized by the following characters:
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.
Sphegina is a genus of small, slender hoverflies. They are widespread throughout Eurasia and North America. In flight they seem to have long hind legs which they often carry hanging down, making them resemble sphecid or ichneumonid wasps. Adult Sphegina are usually found in damp and shady habitats close to water in forested areas, and several species can often be found together. They often feed on white and yellow flowers of Apiaceae, Ranunculaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae like Crataegus, Sorbus, and Sorbaria. Larvae nest in the sap of living and dead trees or in decaying cambium under tree bark lying in water or other damp conditions. The larvae of some species have been discovered in the tunnels of other xylophagous insects.
Kertesziomyia is a genus of 14 Hoverflies, from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera.
Austalis is a genus of Hoverflies, from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera.
Pipiza is a genus Hoverflies, from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera. Most are dark hoverflies.
Archimicrodon is a genus of hoverflies. Many of the species in this genus were moved from Microdon by Reemer & Ståhls (2013). Previously, it had been described as having three known species.
Parocyptamus is a genus of hoverflies, with two known species. The critical characteristic is the narrow, elongated abdomen.
Digulia is a monotypic genus of hoverfly from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera. The single species, D. kochi, is found in New Guinea.
Lycastrirhyncha is a genus of 5 neotropical flower flies or hoverflies.
Simoides is a genus of 7 species of Afrotropical hoverfly from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera.
Meromacroides is a monotypic genus of Afrotropical hoverfly from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera.
Solenaspis is a monotypic genus of hoverfly from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera.
Matsumyia is a genus of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Asiosphegina is a subgenus of hoverflies characterized by sternite I being narrow and lanceolate, several times longer than wide or membranous, and non-pilose, as well as the postmetacoxal bridge being broad, it's posterior margin almost straight, at most with small triangular medial incision.
References
- 1 2 3 Thompson, F. Christian (2003). "Austalis, a new genus of flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) with revisionary notes on related genera" (PDF). Zootaxa . 246: 1–19. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.246.1.1.
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