| Spilomyia maxima | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Syrphidae |
| Subfamily: | Eristalinae |
| Tribe: | Milesiini |
| Subtribe: | Milesiina |
| Genus: | Spilomyia |
| Species: | S. maxima |
| Binomial name | |
| Spilomyia maxima | |
Spilomyia maxima is a species of Hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. [2]
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.
William Lundbeck was a Danish entomologist mainly interested in Diptera. He was a Professor in the University Museum in Copenhagen. Lundbeck's most important work was Diptera Danica. Genera and species of flies Hitherto found in Denmark. Copenhagen & London, 1902-1927. 7 vols.
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.
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.
Temnostoma is a genus of hoverflies. The larvae of some species feed on the wood of deciduous trees.
Platycheirus is a large genus of hoverflies. They are also called sedgesitters.
Sphaerophoria is a genus of hoverflies. Species slender 5.6-12mm long with extremely large hemispherical male terminalia after which the common name globetail has been created. There are bright yellow markings on head and thorax and usually on the abdomen but some species have a black abdomen. They can be found worldwide but are common in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. There are over 73 described species.
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.
Caliprobola is a genus of Hoverflies, from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera.
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.
The Milesiini is a large and diverse tribe of hoverflies. They mimic wasps or hornets.
Sphecomyia is a genus of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. There are about 16 described species in Sphecomyia.
Lejota is a genus of syrphid flies in the family Syrphidae.
Caliprobola aurea is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Lycastris is a genus of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Spilomyia annulata is a species of Hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Spilomyia sulphurea is a species of Hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Temnostoma pallidum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.
The Spheginina is a subtribe of hoverflies.
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