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.
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.
Trichopsomyia is a genus of Hoverflies, from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera.
Criorhina verbosa, the Hairy-cheeked Bumble Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern to central 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 of this genus are found in decaying wood.
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.
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.
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.
Spilomyia alcimus, the Broad-banded Hornet Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly first officially described by Walker in 1849. 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.
Temnostoma balyras , the Yellow-haired Falsehorn , is a common species of syrphid fly 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. Larvae burrow in moist decayed wood using their hooks as rasping organs operated in a forwards and backwards motion by huge muscles housed in the mesothorax and metathorax. The larvae of T.balyras have been described by Heiss in "A classification of the larvae and puparia of the Syrphidae of Illinois exclusive of aquatic forms".
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.
Temnostoma barberi , the Bare-bellied Falsehorn, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly 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.
Neoascia globosa , the Black-margined Fen , is a fairly common species of syrphid fly observed in 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 are aquatic.
Anasimyia distincta, the short-spurred swamp fly, 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. Larvae of this genus are of the rat-tailed type living in aquatic environments.
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.
Trichopsomyia recedens, the shadowy psyllid-killer, is a species of syrphid fly observed in widespread locations in North Americax. 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 psyllid, aphid and Phylloxera predators.
Cheilosia latrans, the steely blacklet, is a very common species of syrphid fly observed in northern 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 when known are plant feeders.
Cheilosia orilliaensis, the black-backed blacklet, is a common species of syrphid fly observed across 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 when known are plant feeders.
Total of 245 species either found or highly expected to be found in New York.
Trichopsomyia banksi , the white-faced psyllid killer, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed across 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 but other members of this genus are psyllid, aphid and Phylloxera predators.
