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'''Hoverflies''', sometimes called '''flower flies''' or '''syrphid flies''', make up the insect [[family (biology)|family]] '''Syrphidae'''. As their [[common name]] suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at [[flower]]s; the adults of many [[species]] feed mainly on [[nectar]] and [[pollen]], while the [[larva]]e ([[maggot]]s) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are [[saprotroph]]s, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are [[insectivore]]s and prey on [[aphid]]s, [[thrip]]s, and other plant-sucking insects.
'''Hoverflies''', sometimes called '''flower flies''', '''syrphid flies''' or '''wannabees''', make up the insect [[family (biology)|family]] '''Syrphidae'''. As their [[common name]] suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at [[flower]]s; the adults of many [[species]] feed mainly on [[nectar]] and [[pollen]], while the [[larva]]e ([[maggot]]s) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are [[saprotroph]]s, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are [[insectivore]]s and prey on [[aphid]]s, [[thrip]]s, 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 [[Predation|natural enemies]] of [[pest (organism)|pests]], and potential agents for use in [[biological control]]. Some adult syrphid flies are important [[pollinator]]s.
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 [[Predation|natural enemies]] of [[pest (organism)|pests]], and potential agents for use in [[biological control]]. Some adult syrphid flies are important [[pollinator]]s.

Revision as of 16:59, 6 October 2011

For the helicopter, see Sikorsky R-4.

Syrphidae
Sixteen different species of hoverfly
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Diptera
Suborder:
Brachycera
Section:
Aschiza
Superfamily:
Syrphoidea
Family:
Syrphidae
Subfamilies

Hoverflies, sometimes called flower flies, syrphid flies or wannabees, 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.

Description

File:Vena spuria.svg
Characteristic wing venation of the Syrphidae

The size of hoverflies varies, depending on the species.[1] Some, like members of the genus Baccha, are small, elongate and slender, while others, like members of Criorhina are large, hairy, yellow, and black. As members of Diptera, all hoverflies have a single functional pair of wings (the hindwings are reduced to balancing organs).[2] They are brightly colored, with spots, stripes, and bands of yellow or brown covering their bodies.[2] Due to this coloring, they are often mistaken for wasps or bees; they exhibit Batesian mimicry. Despite this, hoverflies are harmless.[1]

With a few exceptions (e.g.[3]), hoverflies are distinguished from other flies by a spurious vein, located parallel to the fourth longitudinal wing vein.[1] Their bodies are densely covered by bristles, and adults feed mainly on nectar and pollen.[2] They also hover around flowers, lending to their common name.[1]

Reproduction and life cycle

Two Simosyrphus grandicornis mating in mid-air

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.[4][6]

Distribution and habitat

Hoverflies are a cosmopolitan family found in most biomes excluding deserts and the tundra at extremely low latitudes, in Antarctica.[7][8] Certain species are more common in certain areas than others; for example, the American hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus, is common in the Nearctic ecozone, and the Common hoverfly, Melangyna viridiceps, is common in the Australasia ecozone. There are about 6,000 species and 200 genera in the family.[9]

Larvae of hoverflies are often found in stagnant water. Adults are often found near plants, their principal food source being nectar and pollen.[2] Some species are found in more unusual locations; for example, members of the genus Volucella can be found in bumblebee nests, while members of Microdon are myrmecophiles, found in ant or termite nests.[1] Others can be found in decomposing vegetation.

Systematics

See Genera of Syrphidae.

Relationship with people

Many species of hoverfly larvae prey upon pest insects, including aphids and the leafhoppers which spread some diseases like curly top. Therefore they are seen in biocontrol as a natural means of reducing the levels of pests.

Gardeners, therefore, will sometimes use companion plants to attract hoverflies. Those reputed to do so include alyssum, Iberis umbellata, statice, buckwheat, chamomile, parsley, and yarrow.

Identification guides

  • Stubbs, A.E. and Falk, S.J. (2002) British Hoverflies An Illustrated Identification Guide. Pub. 1983 with 469 pages, 12 col plates, b/w illus.British Entomological and Natural History Society [ISBN 1-899935-05-3]. 276 species are described with extensive keys to aid identification. 190 species are displayed on the colour plates. 2nd edition, pub. 2002, includes new British species and name changes. Also includes European species which are likely to be found in Britain. There are additional black & white plates illustrating the male genitalia of the difficult genera Cheilosia and Sphaerophoria.
  • Vockeroth , J.R. A revision of the genera of the Syrphini (Diptera: Syrphidae) Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada, no. 62:1-176. Keys subfamilies, tribes and genera on a world basis and under regions.
  • van Veen, M.P. |(2004) "Hoverflies of Northwest Europe, Identification Keys to the Syrphidae". KNNV Publishing, Utrecht. [ISBN 9050111998]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Hover fly". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2009. Retrieved December 5, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d "Hoverfly". Hutchinson Encyclopedia. Helicon Publishing. 2009. Retrieved December 6, 2009.
  3. ^ Reemer, Menno (2008). "Surimyia, a new genus of Microdontinae, with notes on Paragodon Thompson, 1969 (Diptera, Syrphidae)" (PDF). Zoologische Mededelingen. 82: 177–188.
  4. ^ a b Aguilera A, Cid A, Regueiro BJ, Prieto JM, Noya M (1999). "Intestinal myiasis caused by Eristalis tenax". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 37 (9): 3082. PMC 85471. PMID 10475752. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Dictionary of Ichthyology; Brian W. Coad and Don E. McAllister at ww.briancoad.com
  6. ^ Whish-Wilson PB (2000). "A possible case of intestinal myiasis due to Eristalis tenax". The Medical Journal of Australia. 173 (11–12): 652. PMID 11379520.
  7. ^ Barkemeyer, Werner. "Syrphidae (hoverflies)". Biodiversity Explorer. South Africa: Iziko Museum. Retrieved December 11, 2009.
  8. ^ Thompson, F. Christian (August 19, 1999). "Flower Flies". The Diptera Site. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved December 11, 2009.
  9. ^ Philip J. Scholl, E. Paul Catts & Gary R. Mullen (2009). "Myiasis (Muscoidea, Oestroidea)". In Gary Mullen, Gary Richard Mullen & Lance Durden (ed.). Medical and Veterinary Entomology (2nd ed.). Academic Press. pp. 309–338. ISBN 9780123725004.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Syrphidae.
Wikispecies has information related to Syrphidae.

Species lists

Template:Link GA

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