The Bombyliidae are a family of flies, commonly known as bee flies. Adults generally feed on nectar and pollen, some being important pollinators. Larvae are mostly parasitoids of other insects.
Carl Robert Osten-Sacken or Carl-Robert Romanovich, Baron von der Osten-Sacken, Baron Osten Sacken was a German-Russian diplomat and entomologist. He served as the Russian consul general in New York City during the American Civil War, living in the United States from 1856 to 1877. He worked on the taxonomy of flies in general and particularly of the family Tipulidae.
The mydid fly genus Rhaphiomidas contains fewer than 30 species/subspecies, all of them occurring in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent portions of northwestern Mexico. The adults are most commonly encountered in sand dune areas, and are typically only active for a few weeks each year, either in the spring or the fall; in some cases, more than one species can occur in the same dune system, but they are allochronic, each flying in different seasons. Almost nothing is known about their biology, though eggs or early instar larvae of some species are laid on the soil surface and appear to be attractive to ants, and are brought into the ant nest. The restriction to sand dune areas has unfortunately led a number of these flies to the brink of extinction, especially both subspecies of R. terminatus, and the species R. trochilus. While there is only one of these on the Endangered Species List, many of the remaining taxa - including a few that have not yet been named - are gravely imperiled, as they are restricted to small geographic areas, rendering them extremely vulnerable to habitat loss or disturbance. These habitats are heavily targeted for development, and even if not, activities such as sand mining or motorized off-roading are common, and render the habitat unsuitable for the survival of the flies.
Syrphus is a genus of hoverflies. It can be distinguished from other genera of the tribe Syrphini because it is the only genus that has long hairs on the upper surface of the lower lobe of the calypter.
Blera is primarily a North American genus, though there are 3 species from Europe. The genus is characterized by the following characters:
'Brachyopa notata , the Black-banded Sapeater , is a rare species of syrphid fly. It has been observed in Northeastern North America. 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. Larvae for this genus are of the rat-tailed type. B.notata larvae have not been described.
Thevenetimyia is a genus of bee flies in the family Bombyliidae. There are more than 40 described species in Thevenetimyia found worldwide, mostly in North America with several species in Australia and southeast Asia.
Terelliini is a tribe of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae. There are at least six genera and about 104 described species in Terelliini.
Eulonchus is a genus of small-headed flies in the family Acroceridae. There are six described species in Eulonchus. The genus is found in North America. Adults have a metallic blue, green or sometimes purple coloration, giving them a jewel-like appearance. A common name for flies in the genus is the North American jewelled spider flies. Adults are also known as "sapphires" or "emeralds".
Brachypalpus alopex, the Bumblebee Catkin Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly first officially described by Osten Sacken in 1877. 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 of the rat-tailed type feeding on decaying sap under tree bark.
Brachyopa vacua , the Yellow-spotted Sapeater, is a rare, species of syrphid fly. It has been observed in Canada, Alaska and northern 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. Larvae for this genus are of the rat-tailed type. B.vacua larvae were collected from the juice of decaying fungi under dead bark.
Blera armillata, the orange-faced wood fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly first officially described by Osten Sacken in 1875. 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 of the rat-tailed type, feeding on exuding sap or in the rot holes of trees.
Brachypalpus cyanella , the Longnose Catkin, is a rare species of syrphid fly first officially described by Osten Sacken in 1877 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 of the rat-tailed type feeding on decaying sap under tree bark.
Goniops chrysocoma is a species of fly found in North America. It is the only species in the genus Goniops, which is in the horse and deer flies family Tabanidae.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) vecors , the Orange-hipped Leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed throughout North America. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless 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.
Chrysops moechus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae.
Syrphus rectus, the yellow-legged flower fly, is a species of fly in the family Syrphidae, the hover flies. Syrphus rectus is a common fly in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada and has occasionally been seen in Europe. Like many hoverflies, it has strongly contrasting black and yellow bands on the abdomen.
Spilomyia ephippium is a species of Hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.
