Eristalis

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Eristalis
Eristalis September 2007-1.jpg
Eristalis tenax on Lantana camara
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Tribe: Eristalini
Genus: Eristalis
Latreille, 1804
Type species
Musca tenax
Subgenera
  • EoseristalisKanervo, 1938
  • Eristalis Latreille, 1804
Synonyms [1]
Eristalis arbustorum Eristalis arbustorum m1.JPG
Eristalis arbustorum
Eristalis dimidiata female Eristalis dimidiata female.jpg
Eristalis dimidiata female

Eristalis is a large genus of hoverflies, family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera. Several species are known as drone flies (or droneflies) because they bear a resemblance to honeybee drones.

Contents

Drone flies and their relatives are fairly common generalist pollinators, [2] the larvae of which are aquatic, and breathe through a long, snorkel-like appendage, hence the common name rat-tailed maggots. [1] [3]

Eristalis is a large genus of around 99 species, [4] and is subdivided into several subgenera and species groups (Eristalomyia, Eristalis, Eoseristalis etc.).

Scientific name and grammatical gender

The scientific name was proposed by Pierre André Latreille in 1804. He placed seven species in his new genus, but listed the names as combinations with Syrphus , so it remained unclear what gender he attributed to the name (the gender of the name Syrphus is masculine). In the two centuries following its publication, Eristalis was sometimes considered to be of feminine gender, sometimes to be of masculine gender. George Henry Verrall (1901) [5] assigned its gender as masculine, a choice followed in British literature, and also in Dutch, Polish, Czech, Spanish and Portuguese literature. In several other European languages and in North America, the tradition was to consider it as a feminine word. In 1993 the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature placed the name on the Official List, and gave its gender as masculine, without justification for that choice. [6] In 2004, Peter Chandler, Andrew Wakeham-Dawson and Angus McCullough submitted an application to confirm the gender of Eristalis as feminine. [7] They referred to ICZN Art. 30.1.1, which states that a name in Latin form takes the gender given for that word in standard Latin dictionaries. [8] In Composition of Scientific Words by R.W. Brown (1954), "eristalis" is listed as a feminine word that refers to an unknown precious stone. The request of Chandler et al. was granted less than two years after submission. [9] As of 2006, Eristalis is officially a word of feminine gender.

Identification

For terms see Morphology of Diptera.

As a true fly, Diptera, the species of the genus Eristalis has a single pair of wings and a pair of halteres and as a member of the family syrphidae the presence of a spurious vein in the wing is key. Defined by Latreille in 1804 Eristlis was restricted by Meigen 1882 to those species with a sinuate vein R4+5 and petiolate cell r1. [10]

Syrphidae (Eristalis) wing veins.svg

Since the origin of the genus Eristalis many genera have been added that refine the description of Latreille such as Eristalinus, Meromarcrus, Palpada Helopilus etc. the subtribe Eristalinus has been established to contain these genera. now is generally accepted as which have vein R2+3 sinuate, cell r1 usually petiolate and metafemur with basolateral setose patch. with the addition of the following criteria: Anepimeron with triangular portion bare, Katepimeron pilose Meron bare posteroventrally, without pile anterior or ventral to metathoracic spiracle, eye pilose.

Larvae

The larvae of Eristalini are aquatic and of the long-tailed type. Those of Eristalis very commonly found breeding in putrid or stagnant water or in moist excrement, and are called “rat-tailed maggots” or “mousies.” [11]

Eristalis sp. (25588804434).jpg

The "tail" is actually an extendable breathing tube often used to extend above the waterline. This tube allows the larvae to live in oxygen depleted water such as sewage and stagnant pools where most other larvae can not exist. Rat tailed larvae also exploit wet mud, manure and moist rotting vegetation. Many species of Eristalis remain unknown. [12] Working in the area where larvae are likely to be found like manure pit, sewage seepage and stagnant pools is difficult and then rearing the larvae to adults is even more so. Basic information on many species of Eristalis is remains to be discovered.

Species

Related Research Articles

<i>Eristalis tenax</i> Species of fly

Eristalis tenax, the common drone fly, is a common, migratory, cosmopolitan species of hover fly. It is the most widely distributed syrphid species in the world, and is known from all regions except the Antarctic. It has been introduced into North America and is widely established. It can be found in gardens and fields in Europe and Australia. It has also been found in the Himalayas.

<i>Microdon</i> Genus of flies

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.

<i>Eristalis arbustorum</i> Species of insect

Eristalis arbustorum , the European drone fly, is an abundant Northern Hemisphere species of syrphid fly first officially described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Musca arbustorum. The name "drone fly" is related to its similar appearance to the drone of the honeybee. Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight. The adults, 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 aquatic filter-feeders of the long-tailed type.

<i>Eristalis horticola</i> Species of fly

Eristalis horticola is a Palearctic species of hoverfly.

<i>Chalcosyrphus nemorum</i> Species of fly

Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) nemorum , the Dusky-banded Leafwalker, is a common species of syrphid fly with a Palearctic and Nearctic distribution. Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight The adults, also know as flower flies for they are commonly found around and on flowers from which they get both enegy-giving nectar and protein rich pollen. Larvae have been found under the bark of Larix, Pinus and a variety of hardwoods.

<i>Chalcosyrphus</i> Genus of flies

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.

<i>Anasimyia</i> Genus of flies

Anasimyia is a genus of wetland hoverflies with aquatic larvae. The genus is sometimes regarded as a subgenus of the similar Lejops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pipiza</span> Genus of flies

Pipiza is a genus Hoverflies, from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera. Most are dark hoverflies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eristalini</span> Tribe of overflies

Eristalini is a tribe of hoverflies. Several species are well-known honeybee mimics, such as the drone fly Eristalis tenax, while other genera such as Helophilus and Parhelophilus exhibit wasp-like patterns of yellow and black stripes, both strategies to avoid predation by visual predators such as birds.

<i>Eristalis flavipes</i> Species of fly

Eristalis flavipes, the orange-legged drone fly, is a species of hoverfly native to North America. It flies from early April to mid-October, and occur in a wide variety of habitats, particularly wetlands. Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight The adults, also known as flower flies for they are commonly found around and on flowers from which they get both enegy-giving nectar and protein rich pollen.. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type.

<i>Eristalis transversa</i> Species of fly

Eristalis transversa , the Transverse banded Drone Fly, is a common species of syrphid fly first officially described by Wiedemann, 1830) 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 enegy-giving nectar and protein rich pollen. The larvae are rat-tailed type but larvae of this specific species has not been reported.

<i>Eristalis dimidiata</i> Species of insect

Eristalis dimidiata, the black-shouldered drone fly, is a species of hoverfly native to much of Canada and the eastern and northern United States. It flies year-round in southern areas and from late March to mid-November further north. It is one of the earliest hoverflies to fly in the spring, and as such likely overwinters as an adult. It lives primarily in forests.

<i>Eristalis saxorum</i> Species of fly

'Eristalis saxorum, the Blue-polished Drone Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found along the Eastern United States. 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 aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type. The larvae of this species have not been identified. Little is known about this uncommon species which flies from mid-March to late October.

<i>Eristalis obscura</i> Species of fly

Eristalis obscura, the Dusky Drone Fly, is a common species of syrphid fly first officially described by Loew in 1866 This species is widespread in the northern part of North America and Europe east to Siberia. Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight The adults are also know 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 aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type.

<i>Eristalis hirta</i> Species of fly

Eristalis hirta, the black-footed drone fly, is a common Western North American species of syrphid fly first officially described by Loew in 1866 Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight The adults are also know as flower flies for they are commonly found around and on flowers from which they get both enegy-giving nectar and protein rich pollen. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type.

<i>Eristalis brousii</i> Species of fly

Eristalis brousii, the hourglass drone fly, is a species of syrphid fly largely eliminated in most of its former range except in northern Canada. It was first officially described by Williston in 1882. The adults are also known as flower flies because they are commonly found around and on flowers from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eristalina</span> Subtribe of hoverflies

Eristalina is a subtribe of hoverflies with 17 genera. Several species are well-known bee mimics, such as the drone fly. The larvae live in aquatic and moist organic material, often with low oxygen levels using a posterior breathing tube, thus the common name—the "rat-tailed maggot".

Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.

References

  1. 1 2 Stubbs, Alan E.; Falk, Steven J (1983). British Hoverflies: An Illustrated Identification Guide (2nd ed.). London: British Entomological and Natural History Society. pp. 253, xvpp. ISBN   1-899935-03-7.
  2. ↑ Van Der Kooi, C. J.; Pen, I.; Staal, M.; Stavenga, D. G.; Elzenga, J. T. M. (2015). "Competition for pollinators and intra-communal spectral dissimilarity of flowers". Plant Biology. 18 (1): 56–62. doi:10.1111/plb.12328. PMID   25754608.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Thompson, F. Christian (1997). "Revision of the Eristalis flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) of the Americas south of the United States" (PDF). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington . Washington D.C.: Entomological Society of Washington. 99: 209–237. ISSN   0013-8797 . Retrieved 2009-06-19.
  4. ↑ Thompson, F. Christian (2003). "Austalis, a new genus of flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) with revisionary notes on related genera" (pdf Adobe/Acobat). Zootaxa. New Zealand: Magnolia Press. 246: 1–19. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.246.1.1. ISSN   1175-5334 . Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  5. ↑ Verrall, G.H. (1901). A list of British Diptera: 22; and, according to Chandler et al., Case 3259 (see there) also in British Flies vol. 8
  6. ↑ ICZN (1993). Opinion 1747. Eristalis Latreille, 1804, Helophilus Fabricius, 1805, Xylota Meigen, 1822 and Eumerus Meigen, 1822 (Insecta; Diptera): conserved. The Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature50(3): 256–258
  7. ↑ Chandler, P.J., Wakeham-Dawson, A. & McCullough, A. (2004). Case 3259. Eristalis Latreille, 1804 (Insecta: Diptera): proposed confirmation that the gender is feminine; Musca nemorum Linnaeus, 1758, M. arbustorum Linnaeus, 1758 and M. horticola De Geer, 1776 (currently Eristalis nemorum, E. arbustorum and E. horticola): proposed conservation of usage of the specific names by designation of neotypes. The bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature61(4): 241–244
  8. ↑ International Code of Zoological Nomenclature Art. 30.1.1
  9. ↑ ICZN (2006). Opinion 2153 (Case 3259). Eristalis Latreille, 1804 (Insecta: Diptera): confirmation that the gender is feminine; Musca nemorum Linnaeus, 1758, M. arbustorum Linnaeus, 1758 and M. horticola De Geer, 1776 (currently Eristalis nemorum, E. arbustorum and E. horticola): usage of the specific names conserved by designation of neotypes. The Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature63(2): 146–147
  10. ↑ THOMPSON, F. CHRISTIAN (1997). "Revision Of The Eristalis Flower Flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) Of The Americas South Of The United States". Entomological Society of Washington. 99.
  11. ↑ Wirth, W.W. (1965). Family Syrphidae. In A Catalog of the Diptera of America north of Mexico. Washington, D.C., U.S.A.: United States Department of Agriculture. p. 557-625.
  12. ↑ Rotheray, G.E. (1993). "Colour Guide to Hoverfly Larvae (Diptera, Syrphidae) in Britain and Europe" (PDF). Diperists Digest. Special Edition.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Skevington, Jeffrey H.; Locke, Michelle M.; Young, Andrew D.; Moran, Kevin; Crins, William J.; Marshall, Stephen A. (2019). Field Guide to the Flower Flies of Northeastern North America. Princeton. ISBN   9780691189406.
  14. ↑ Wakeham-Dawson, A.; Jones, A.G.; Thompson, F.C. (2009). "Falkland Islands Syrphidae (Diptera)". Dipterists Digest. Second series. UK: Dipterists Forum. 16 (1): 65–71. ISSN   0953-7260.
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