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.
Eristalinae are one of the four subfamilies of the fly family Syrphidae, or hoverflies. A well-known species included in this subfamily is the dronefly, Eristalis tenax.
Myolepta is a cosmopolitan genus of hoverflies most closely related to the genus Lepidomyia
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.
Sericomyia transversa , the Yellow-spotted Pond Fly , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in northeastern 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. The larvae of this genus are known as rat tailed maggots for the long posterior breathing tube.
Ceriana abbreviata , the Northern Wasp Fly , is a rare species of syrphid fly observed across North America 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 adults are wasp mimics. The larvae feed on the sap of tree wounds.
Myolepta nigra , the Black Pegleg , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern and central United States and Eastern 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 of this genus are found in the rotholes of deciduous trees.
Sericomyia lata , the White-spotted Pond Fly , is a common species of syrphid fly observed across North America, concentrated in the east. Syrphid flies are also known as Hover Flies or Flower Flies because the adults are frequently found hovering around flowers from which they feed on nectar and pollen. Adults are 11.6–15.2 mm (0.46–0.60 in) long and black with large white abdominal spots. The larvae of this genus are known as rat tailed maggots for the long posterior breathing tube.
Chrysosyrphus latus , the Variable Wrinklehead, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern United states and widespread in 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 are unknown.
' Paragus angustifrons, the Narrow-faced Grass Skimmer, 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 on flowers from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. The larvae have been reared from Aphis spiraecola and Aphis spiraephila.
Parhelophilus flavifacies , the Black-legged Bog Fly, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in the Eastern 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 are the long tailed "rat-tailed" type.
Myolepta varipes , the Orange-banded Pegleg , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern half of the 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 of this genus are found in the rot holes of deciduous trees.
Heringia salax , the Eastern Smoothleg Fly, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly observed in many locations 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. The larvae are predators on aphids. .
Orthonevra pulchella (Williston 1887) the Dusky Mucksucker is a fairly common species of syrphid fly. It has been observed from across northern 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. O. pulchella larvae have not been described.
Parhelophilus laetus , the Common Bog Fly , is a common species of syrphid fly observed across norther 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. The larvae are unknown.
Platycheirus inversus, also known as the knobfoot sedgesitter, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in Northeastern 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 are aphid predators.
Platycheirus normae, the paddlearm sedgesitter, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in northeastern 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 are aphid predators.
Platycheirus scamboides, the yellowspine sedgesitter, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in northeastern 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 are aphid predators.
Platycheirus varipes is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in Northern Europe: Norway, Sweden, Finland; Greenland; central Asiatic Russia; and in North America from Alaska and Canada south to Colorado, via mountain chains.
Pipiza nigripilosa, the pale-haired pithead, is a common species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern 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. Larvae when known are aphid predators.
