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.
Eristalis is a large genus of hoverflies, family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera. Several species are known as drone flies because they bear a resemblance to honeybee drones.
Syrphus is a genus of hoverflies. It can be distinguished from other genera of the tribe Syrphini because it is the only genus that has long hairs on the upper surface of the lower lobe of the calypter.
Bombylius major is a parasitic bee mimic fly. B. major is the most common type of fly within the Bombylius genus. The fly derives its name from its close resemblance to bumblebees and are often mistaken for them.
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.
Syritta pipiens, sometimes called the thick-legged hoverfly, is one of the most common species in the insect family Syrphidae. This fly originates from Europe and is currently distributed across Eurasia and North America. They are fast and nimble fliers, and their larvae are found in wet, rotting organic matter such as garden compost, manure, and silage. The species is also commonly found in human-created environments such as most farmland, gardens, and urban parks, wherever there are flowers. This species is an important part of its native ecosystem as adult Syritta pipiens flies are critical pollinators for a variety of flowering plants and the species supports parasitism by various parasitic wasp species. Thus, they play an important role in environmental functionality, and can serve as bio-indicators, in which their abundance can reflect the health of the environment. Syritta pipiens looks like many predatory hoverfly species, yet is not predatory.
Syrphus vitripennis is a very common European and North American species of hoverfly. Its larvae feed on aphids
Epistrophe grossulariae is a Holarctic species of hoverfly.
Eristalis oestracea, the orange-tailed drone fly, is a species of hoverfly native to Europe and North America. In Europe it is found in bogs, moors, and coastal dunes. It nectars on white flowers in the carrot family (Apiaceae) and yellow flowers in the aster family (Asteraceae). It is very poorly known in North America. E. oestracea measures 14-15 mm in length.
Melangyna novaezelandiae is a hoverfly endemic to New Zealand. It is a generalized pollinator of a large range of plants that are both native and exotic to the New Zealand flora. M. novaezelandiae is widespread throughout New Zealand, including in agricultural environments. The larvae of this species feeds on other arthropods and may have uses as a biocontrol agent.
Epistrophe nitidicollis is a European and North American species of hoverfly.
Neomochtherus pallipes, the Devon red-legged robber fly, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) anthreas, the Yellow-banded Leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern 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.
Syrphus knabi, the The Eastern flower Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern United States and Canada. 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 7.2–12.9 mm (0.28–0.51 in) long. The larvae are predators of a variety of aphids in trees.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) metallicus, the Yellow-legged Leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the southeastern United States. Hoverflies are able 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.
Parhelophilus divisus the yellow-legged bog fly, is a rare 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. The larvae are the long tailed "rat-tailed" type.
Chrysotoxum plumeum, the broad-banded meadow fly, is a common 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 may be associated with aphids and ants.
Megasyrphus laxus , the black-legged gossamer fly, 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. Larvae are unknown.
Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.
