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Hover Fly, Flower Fly

Allograpta obliqua

Description:

Hoverflies, sometimes 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. Aphids alone cause tens of millions of dollars of damage to crops worldwide every year; because of this, aphidophagous hoverflies are being recognized as important natural enemies of pests, and potential agents for use in biological control. Some adult syrphid flies are important pollinators. About 6,000 species in 200 genera have been described. Hoverflies are common throughout the world and can be found on all continents except Antarctica. Hoverflies are harmless to most other animals despite their mimicry of more dangerous wasps and bees, which serves to ward off predators. Unlike adults, the maggots of hoverflies feed on a variety of foods; some are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant or animal matter, while others are insectivores, eating aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.[1] This is beneficial to gardens, as aphids destroy crops, and hoverfly maggots are often used in biological control. Certain species, such as Lampetia equestris or Eumerus tuberculatus, are responsible for pollination. An example of a well-known hoverfly maggot is the Rat-tailed maggot, of the drone fly, Eristalis tenax. It has a breathing siphon at its rear end, giving it its name.[1] The species lives in stagnant water, such as sewage and lagoons.[4] The maggots also have a commercial use, and are sometimes sold for ice fishing.[5] Hoverfly larvae are also known to cause Myiasis among humans. This occurs when the maggots eat feces, causing discomfort, pain, or itching

1 Species ID Suggestions

Hover fly
Allograpta obliqua Hoverfly


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1 Comment

LaurenZarate
LaurenZarate 5 years ago

Hi Juan, I recently found this same species in Mexico. Dr. Christian Thompson, a syrphid specialist with the Smithsonian in Washington DC, has confirmed that this is Allograpta neotropica (http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/925...).

juand.duenas
Spotted by
juand.duenas

Usme, Distrito Capital, Colombia

Spotted on Aug 12, 2012
Submitted on Aug 25, 2012

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