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.
Tropidia is a genus hoverflies, from the family Syrphidae, in the order Diptera.
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.
Neoascia metallica, the Double-banded Fen Fly, 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. The larvae are aquatic.
Xylota quadrimaculata ,, the Four-spotted Leafwalker , is a common species of syrphid fly observed in central and eastern 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 8.2–11.3 mm (0.32–0.44 in) long, black with yellow-orange spots on the abdomen. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Sphecomyia pattonii is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.
Blera pictipes, the Painted Wood Fly, is a rare species of syrphid fly first officially described by Bigot in 1883. 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.
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.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) piger, the short-haired leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found throughout North America and Europe. 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. Larvae have been identified from sappy hollows from Larix and Pinus.
Milesia virginiensis, known generally as the yellowjacket hover fly or Virginia flower fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Blera notata , the Ornate Wood Fly, is a rare species of syrphid fly first officially described by Weidemann in 1830. Hoverflies get their names from the ability to remain nearly motionless while in flight. The adults, 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.
Xylota angustiventris,, the Two-spotted Leafwalker , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in northeast 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 12.2–14.4 mm (0.48–0.57 in) long, largely black with two yellow spots on the abdomen in the male? The larvae are not known, but in this genus, are likely to be found in tree holes or bark to feed on sap.
Xylota confusa ,, the Confusing Leafwalker , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed across Northern 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 9.3–12.6 mm (0.37–0.50 in) long. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Xylota naknek , the Naknek Leafwalker , is a fairly common species of syrphid fly observed across Canada and the Northeastern 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 9.1–12.8 mm (0.36–0.50 in) long. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Xylota ejuncida ,, the Polished Leafwalker , is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in the eastern 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 9.6–10.9 mm (0.38–0.43 in) long. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Xylota flavifrons ,, the Northern Leafwalker , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in the northeastern United States and all across 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 9.4–14.7 mm (0.37–0.58 in) long. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Xylota hinei , ( ), the Hine's Leafwalker , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in Eastern 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 7.8–12.9 mm (0.31–0.51 in) long, black with yellow spots. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Sphegina albipes is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Brachyopa cinereovittata, the Grey-striped Sapeater, is a rare species of syrphid fly. It has been observed in northwestern 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. Larvae for this genus are of the rat-tailed type. B.cinereovittata larvae have not been described.
Microdon cothurnatus , the orange-legged ant fly, is a species of syrphid fly observed across the Northern 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 except Microdon species are seldom observed around flowers. Larvae have been found in several species of ant.
