Spilomyia longicornis

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Spilomyia longicornis
Syrphid - Spilomyia longicornis, Meadowood Farm SRMA, Mason Neck, Virginia - 01.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Subfamily: Eristalinae
Tribe: Milesiini
Subtribe: Milesiina
Genus: Spilomyia
Species:
S. longicornis
Binomial name
Spilomyia longicornis
Loew, 1872 [1]
Synonyms
  • Spilomyia banksiNayar and Cole, 1968

Spilomyia longicornis is a species of syrphid fly, also known as a flower fly or hoverfly, in the family Syrphidae. Although the appearance of S. longicornis is remarkably similar to a vespid wasp, it is a fly and cannot sting. [2] It occurs in North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. [3]

Contents

Spilomyia longicornis feeding on a flower Syrphid - Spilomyia longicornis, Meadowwood Farm SRMA, Mason Neck, Virginia.jpg
Spilomyia longicornis feeding on a flower
distribution map Spilomyia longicornis map.png
distribution map

Description

S. longicornis is typically 11–15 millimeters long. [4] S. longicornis has a black body with yellow markings and stripes on its abdomen. [5] Its wings are mostly clear with a dark tinge, and the anterior portion of the wings are typically darker brown in colour. [5] The back four legs are yellowish in colour, and the front two legs are yellow at the base and black at the ends. [5] They tend to rest on their back four legs and move their front two legs above their head, making them appear like antennae on the Hymenoptera species that they mimic. [5]

Spilomyia longicornis feeding on a flower Syrphid - Spilomyia longicornis, Meadowood Farm SRMA, Mason Neck, Virginia.jpg
Spilomyia longicornis feeding on a flower

Taxonomy

S. longicornis flies are part of the Syrphidae family, which is of the order Diptera. The hoverfly family is one of the most diverse in the Diptera order. [6] There are at least 200 genera and 5000 species included in this family. [6]

Distribution and habitat

S. longicornis is widespread in eastern North America. [3] These flies can be found near and around flowers that produce pollen and nectar, which they feed on. [7] Also, rotting trees are an important environmental component of their habitat. [8] S. longicornis larvae are typically found in rot holes, or rotting cavities found in live trees, and develop there. [9] Almost all types of trees can develop rot holes, but they are more common for certain types of trees than others. [9] The rot holes provide a food source and protection for the larvae. [9] Thus, these damp environments are ideal for larval development. [9] Adult S. longicornis flies are most often found hovering over flowers that produce large amounts of pollen and nectar, the adults' food source. [7]

Life history

S. longicornis larvae are found in rot holes in rotting trees., [9] while adults spend the majority of their time around flowers to get pollen and nectar for food and for mating. [7] Females need pollen for reproductive development. [7]

Only adult S. longicornis flies eat the pollen and nectar from flowers. [7] Pollen has a high content of nitrogenous nutrients. Because of this, females are able to use the nutrients from pollen to develop their reproductive tissues. [7] These nutrients, which are not consumed by S. longicornis flies until adulthood, are important for vitellogenesis, also known as yolk deposition. [7] They also consume nectar from flowers and use that energy for their hovering behavior. [7]

Mating

S. longicornis males have been directly observed mate-seeking near flowers. [8]

Mimicry

Most Syrphidae flies mimic Hymenoptera species. [10] S. longicornis mimics vespid species including introduced species such as Vespula vulgaris . [2] S. longicornis flies mimic vespid wasps in three main ways: physically, behaviorally, and auditorily. Just like vespid wasps, the anterior portion of the wings of S. longicornis flies are a darker brown color than the rest of the wing. [5] Their abdomen is yellow with black stripes, and the thorax and head are similarly colored. Behaviorally, S. longicornis flies mimic the way common wasps move their antennae. By resting on their back four legs and placing and moving their two front black legs above their head, they more closely resemble wasps. [11] When threatened, S. longicornis bend their abdomen in a similar fashion to wasps who are stinging a predator. They may also move their abdomen up and down when they are on a flower, which is a mimic of wasp abdomen expansion. Finally, it has been documented that S. longicornis flies, when threatened, produce a different buzzing sound than normal. [12] While wasps do not necessarily produce a different sound upon attack, the sound S. longicornis makes when threatened seems to be of a frequency similar to some hymenopteran species. [12] This strategy may have evolved because the visual and behavioral mimicry may not always work. [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hoverfly</span> Family of insects

Hoverflies, also called flower flies or syrphids, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bombyliidae</span> Family of flies

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.

<i>Eristalis tenax</i> Species of fly

Eristalis tenax, the common drone fly, is a common, migratory, cosmopolitan species of hover fly. It is the most widely distributed syrphid species in the world, and is known from all regions except the Antarctic. It has been introduced into North America and is widely established. It can be found in gardens and fields in Europe and Australia. It has also been found in the Himalayas.

<i>Spilomyia</i> Genus of flies

Spilomyia is a genus of hoverflies. Many species in the genus show Batesian mimicry of wasp models, including black and yellow patterns and modified antenna shape.

<i>Spilomyia sayi</i> Species of fly

Spilomyia sayi, the Four-lined Hornet Fly, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly. This species is found from western Canada to 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. The larvae are known as the short-tailed larvae, suited for moist areas such as rot holes of trees. It is a wasp mimic.

<i>Toxomerus</i> Genus of flies

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.

<i>Spilomyia citima</i> Species of fly

Spilomyia citima, the Western Hornet Fly, is a rare species of syrphid fly first officially described by Vockeroth in 1958. 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.

<i>Myolepta strigilata</i> Species of fly

Myolepta strigilata, the Scaled Pegleg, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern and central 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 have been found in rot holes of deciduous trees.

Spilomyia crandalli, Crandall's Hornet Fly, is a rare species of syrphid fly first officially described by Curran in 1951. This species is found in western North America near the Pacific coast. 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.

<i>Spilomyia fusca</i> Species of fly

Spilomyia fusca, the Bald-faced Hornet Fly, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly first officially described by Loew, 1864 This species is found in North Eastern 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. The larvae are known as the short-tailed larva tailored for moist areas such as rot holes of trees.

<i>Temnostoma daochus</i> Species of fly

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.

<i>Temnostoma venustum</i> Species of fly

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.

<i>Spilomyia interrupta</i> Species of fly

'Spilomyia intertupta , the Interrupted Hornet Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly first officially described by Williston, 1882. This species is found in Western North America, along the California coast. 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 larva, suited for moist areas such as rot holes of trees.

<i>Temnostoma alternans</i> Species of fly

Temnostoma alternans , the Wasp-like falsehorn, is a common species of syrphid fly observed throughout the northern and central 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. Larvae burrow in moist decayed wood.

<i>Spilomyia liturata</i> Species of fly

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.

<i>Temnostoma barberi</i> Species of fly

Temnostoma barberi , the Bare-bellied Falsehorn, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) observed in the eastern half of the United States and adjacent areas of 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.

<i>Temnostoma trifasciatum</i> Species of fly

Temnostoma trifasciatum, the Three-lined Falsehorn, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern and central parts 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. Temnostoma adults are strong wasp mimics. Larvae burrow in moist decayed wood.

<i>Eristalis hirta</i> Species of fly

Eristalis hirta, the black-footed drone fly, is a common Western North American species of syrphid fly, first officially described by Loew in 1866. Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies as they are commonly found on and around flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type.

<i>Callicera spinolae</i> Species of fly

Callicera spinolae, also known as the ivy hoverfly or golden hoverfly, is a species of syrphid fly within the genus Callicera and family Syrphidae. It was first described by Italian entomologist Camillo Rondani in 1844.

Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.

References

  1. ↑ Loew, Hermann (1872). "Diptera Americae septentrionalis indigena. Centuria decima". Berliner Entomologische Zeitschrift. 16: 49–124. doi:10.1002/mmnd.18720160110 . Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  2. 1 2 Penney, H. (2001). Evolution of Imperfect Mimicry: Explaining Variation in Mimetic Fidelity among Syrphid Species. Ottawa, ON: Carleton University. https://curve.carleton.ca/system/files/etd/c3df345b-38ec-4006-8143-6698a6294f9d/etd_pdf/d4161934a9585fb98190d9a19bed4e1b/penney-evolutionofimperfectmimicryexplainingvariation.pdf
  3. 1 2 Spilomyia longicornis Loew, 1872. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2019, from Discover Life website: https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Spilomyia+longicornis
  4. ↑ Species Spilomyia longicornis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2019, from Bug Guide website: https://bugguide.net/node/view/5906
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Curran, Charles Howard (1951). "Synopsis of the North American species of Spilomyia (Syrphidae, Diptera)" (PDF). American Museum Novitates (1492): 11. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  6. 1 2 Katzourakis, A., Purvis, A., Azmeh, S., Rotheray, G. and Gilbert, F. (2001), "Macroevolution of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae): the effect of using higher‐level taxa in studies of biodiversity, and correlates of species richness". Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 14: 219–227. doi:10.1046/j.1420-9101.2001.00278.x
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Branquart, E., & Hemptinne, J.-L. (2000). "Selectivity in the exploitation of floral resources by hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphinae)". Ecography, 23, 732–742. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2000.tb00316.x
  8. 1 2 C.T. Maier, G.P. Waldbauer (1979) "Dual mate-seeking strategies in male syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae)". Annals of the Entomological Society of America 72: 54–61 https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/72.1.54
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Sommaggio, D. (1999). "Syrphidae: can they be used as environmental bioindicators?" Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 74(1–3), 343–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(99)00042-0
  10. ↑ Waldbauer, G. P. (n.d.). Mimicry of Hymenopteran Antennae by Syrphidae. Department of Entomology, University of Illinois.
  11. ↑ Rashed, A., & Sherratt, T. N. (2006). "Mimicry in hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae): a field test of the competitive mimicry hypothesis". Behavioral Ecology, 18(2), 337–344. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arl089
  12. 1 2 3 A. Rashed, M.I. Khan, J.W. Dawson, J.E. Yack, T.N. Sherratt, "Do hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) sound like the Hymenoptera they morphologically resemble?" Behavioral Ecology, Volume 20, Issue 2, March–April 2009, Pages 396–402, https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arn148

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