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, preying on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) nemorum , the Dusky-banded Leafwalker, is a common species of syrphid fly with a Palearctic and Nearctic distribution. 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 found under the bark of Larix, Pinus and a variety of hardwoods.
Chalcosyrphus is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Eristalinae. Many species exhibit some degree of mimicry of various sawflies and other hymenopterans and are often brightly coloured or metallic in hue. The adults are similar in structure and behavior to the related genus Xylota but differ in larval morphology. They can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America and seem to prefer damper, boggy habitats. The larvae are saproxylic feeders in rotten wood in these habitats.
Cynorhinella longinasus ,, the Eastern Longnose Fly, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in New York, Pennsylvania and the New England 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 5.5–7 mm (0.22–0.28 in)long, black with a distinct conical projecting face. The larvae are unknown.
Teuchocnemis lituratus,, 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.
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.
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.
Teuchocnemis bacuntius ,, the Orange Spur Fly , is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in eastern half of the 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 13.5–18.1 mm (0.53–0.71 in) long, orange with a swolen hind femur and the hind tibia of the male with a ventral spur. The larvae are unknown.
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) sacawajeae, the Hairy-winged Leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly observed in the Northern United States and Western Canada. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless while 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 dubius is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.
Chalcosyrphus (Neplas) pauxilla, the Yellow-waisted Leafwalker, is a very rare species of syrphid fly collected in California and Mexico. 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.
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 subfasciata ,, the Large-spotted Forest Fly , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed widely across 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 8.7–1,312.5 mm (0.34–51.67 in) long, black with large yellow abdominal spots. The larvae of this genus live under bark in sap runs.
Xylota analis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.
Xylota annulifera ,, the Longspine Leafwalker , is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed across Canada and in the eastern 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 7.5–11.8 mm (0.30–0.46 in) long, black with yellow abdominal spots. 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 bicolor ,, the Eastern Orange-tailed Leafwalker , is a rare species of syrphid fly observed across 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 13.8–14.7 mm (0.54–0.58 in) in length, black with an orange abdomen 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,, commonly known as 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.
