Ornidia major | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Diptera |
Family: | Syrphidae |
Subfamily: | Eristalinae |
Tribe: | Volucellini |
Genus: | Ornidia |
Species: | O. major |
Binomial name | |
Ornidia major | |
Synonyms | |
Ornidia major is a species of Hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. [3]
It is found in Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Peru.
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 identifiction by photographs is risky.
Eristalinus is a genus of hoverfly. Most species have very distinctive eye marking in the form of spots or banding, though these features may fade on some preserved specimens. Most are stout flies, and are nimble flyers, even compared to other hoverfly species.
Platycheirus is a large genus of hoverflies. They are also called sedgesitters.
Toxomerus is a very large genus of hoverflies. They are found in many parts of North and South America. Most larvae are predators on soft bodied insects, though a few species have been shown to feed on pollen. Adults feed on the pollen of a wide range of flowers.
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
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.
Brachyopa is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies whose grey and brown colouration is unusual for this family and these flies can easily be overlooked amongst members of other fly families. The larvae can be found under the bark of dead branches and trees in decaying sap.
Carreramyia is a genus of hoverflies, with five known species currently.
Ceriomicrodon is a genus of hoverflies. The only known species, Ceriomicrodon petiolatus, lives in the Brazilian states Mato Grosso, Roraima, Amazonas, Maranhão and Rondônia. Its biology is poorly known, but the larvae are assumed to live in ant nests. Only a few specimens were known of the species until 2014, when the species was redescribed.
Mixogaster is a genus of hoverflies native to North America and South America, with 21 known species. Mixogaster is distinct by lacking an appendix on vein R4+5, having a reduced and bare metasternum, an unarmed scutellum, and usually an appendix on vein M extending in cell R4+5. Larvae are found in ant nests.
Ornidia is a small genus of mid-sized metallic hoverflies.
Spheginobaccha is a genus of hoverflies, with 15 known species. The genus is readily separated from other microdons by the incomplete metathoracic bridge, round/oval basoflagellomere, occiput with a dorsolateral crease, and other characters.
Ubristes is a genus of hoverflies, with four known species. All are characterized by their metatibiae, which are usually enlarged, but always with a brush of long pile along the dorsal edges. These flies are probably mimics of the stingless bees in the tribe Meliponini.
Surimyia is a genus of hoverflies, with three known species. They are small microdontine flies. Surimyia is the only hoverfly genus with the katatergum lacking microtrichia. In the subfamily Microdontinae, they are distinctive in the absence of pilosity on the postpronotum.
Domodon is a genus of hoverfly from South America and Central America containing five species.
Frederic Christian Thompson was an American entomologist specializing in the study of Diptera.
Ornidia aemula is a species of Hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.