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.
Orthonevra is a genus of fly in the syrphidae family with at least 59 species identified so far. They are worldwide in distribution but concentrated in the Eastern North America and Europe.Orthonevra are commonly called Mucksuckers after the larvae which have been found in organic rich mud, i.e. muck. This genus belongs to the tribe Brachyopini that includes the prominent genera Melanogaster, Brachyopa, Neoascia and Sphegina. Orthonevra have black heads with blue to purple reflections. Many species have distinctive eye stripes. The antennae are somewhat elongate. The frons is wrinkled with silvery spots at sides of antennae. The thorax with small punctures dorsally and in several species the body is covered with scale-like pile. Wingd vein M1 curves away from the wing tip.(see images)
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.
Teuchocnemis lituratus ,, the The Black Spur Fly , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern half of North America. 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 10.5–15.4 mm (0.41–0.61 in)long, black with a yellow scutellum and hind tibia of male with spike. The larvae are unknown.
Temnostoma daochus , the Yellow-spotted Falsehorn, is a rare 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. Temnostoma adults are strong wasp mimics. The larvae burrow in moist decayed wood.
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.
Blera umbratilis, the Hairy Wood Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly first officially described by Williston in 1887. 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.
Temnostoma venustum , the Black-banded Falsehorn , is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in the northeastern United States and adjacent 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. Temnostoma adults are strong wasp mimics The larvae burrow in moist decayed wood.
Teuchocnemis bacuntius ,, the Orange Spur Fly , is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in eastern half of the United States. 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 13.5–18.1 mm (0.53–0.71 in) long, orange with a swolen hind femur and the hind tibia of the male with a ventral spur. The larvae are unknown.
Spilomyia liturata, the Rocky Mountain Hornet Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly. This species is found in western North America along the Rocky Mountains. 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 known as the short-tailed larvae, suited for moist areas such as rot holes of trees.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) metallifer , the Orange-horned Leafwalker, is a rare 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.
Tropidia calcarata, the Lily-loving Thickleg Fly, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed from 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 have been found on the rotting roots of an aquatic lily.
Sphegina brachygaster , the Thick-waisted Pufftail , is a fairly 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 found in accumulations of decaying sap under bark, usually in wet situations such as damp, shaded woodland and in partially submerged wood in streams and pools.
Sphegina flavimana, the Tuberculate Pufftail, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly observed in the northeastern 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. Larvae are found in accumulations of decaying sap under bark, usually in wet situations such as damp, shaded woodland and in partially submerged wood in streams and pools.
Sphegina flavomaculata , the Tooth-legged Pufftail, 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. Larvae found in accumulations of decaying sap under bark, usually in wet situations such as damp, shaded woodland and in partially submerged wood in streams and pools.
The Spheginina is a subtribe of hoverflies.
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.
Pipiza puella, the sumac gall pithead, is a species of syrphid fly observed in eastern and Central United States, Canada and Norway. 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.
Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.
