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syrphid fly |
_05.jpg "syrphid fly (Toxomerous marginatus)")
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Toxomerus marginatus |
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| Taxonomy | Order: |
Diptera (gnats, mosquitoes, true flies) |
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Suborder: |
Brachycera (circular-seamed flies, mouches muscoïdes, muscoid flies, short-horned flies) |
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Infraorder: |
Muscomorpha |
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Section: |
Aschiza |
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Superfamily: |
Syrphoidea |
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Family: |
Syrphidae (hover flies) |
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Subfamily: |
Syrphinae |
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Tribe: |
Toxomerini |
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| Status | Common to abundant |
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| Habitat |
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| Season | April to November |
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| Size |
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| Identification | This is a small syrphid fly. It is identified by the small, round, black spot near the tip of the abdomen. The eyes of the male syrphid fly meet at the top of the head. The eyes of the female do not. |
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| Similar Species |
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| Larval Food | Aphids, scales, thrips, and caterpilars of both butterflies and moths |
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| Adult Food | Pollen, nectar, and honeydew. |
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| Life Cycle |
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| Behavior | Adults can often be seen hovering over plants, a favorite activity that gives this family one of it’s common names. |
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| Range | .png "Range Map") |
Sources: 7. | |||||
| Sightings | |||||||
| Comments | The coloration of the syrphid fly is an example of Batesian mimicry, resembling the warning coloration of stinging bees and wasps. Sryphid flies are considered beneficial because they prey on insects that attack ornamental plants and crops. |
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| Images | |||||||
| Female | _01.jpg "syrphid fly (Toxomerous marginatus)") |
_02.jpg "syrphid fly (Toxomerous marginatus)") |
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| Synonyms |
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| Common Names |
flower fly hover fly syrphid fly |
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