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 variabilis, common name figwort cheilosia, 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.
Chromocheilosia is a genus of South American hoverflies.
The Rhingiini is a tribe of hoverflies.
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 ahenea is a Palearctic species of 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.
The Brachyopina is a subtribe of hoverflies.
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 rita the inky blacklet, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly observed in The United States and Canada. 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, when they are 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.
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.
Hiatomyia is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies that are shiny black with a plumose arista.
Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.
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.
