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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hadromyia aepalius, the Sterling Quicksilver, is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern 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.
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.
Brachypalpus oarus, the eastern catkin, is a common 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 of the rat-tailed type feeding on decaying sap under tree bark.
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".
Chalcosyrphus (Xylotomima) libo, the Long-haired Leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed in north-central North America. Hoverflies are able to remain nearly motionless 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
Trichopsomyia apisaon, the black-haired psyllid-killer, is a common species of syrphid fly observed all 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 psyllid, aphid and Phylloxera predators.
