Hoverflies

Question 1

Basic hoverfly taxonomy

Answer 1

Hoverflies are the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera. They are distinguished by the false margin and vena spuria present in the wings.

Question 2

Syrphinae

Answer 2

A subfamily of hoverflies sometimes referred to as typical hoverflies. Their larvae most often are predatory and feed on aphids. It includes the tribe Bacchini which have black scutellum / heads and the tribe Syrphini which have at least partially yellow scutellum / heads.

Question 3

Eristalinae

Answer 3

A subfamily of hoverflies sometimes referred to as drone flies and allies. They can mostly be distinguished by having a characteristic dip in the wing vein R4+5. It includes the tribe Eristalini which have “rat-tailed” larval forms and the tribe Eumerini (or Merodontini) which includes larval forms that bury into plant bulbs e.g. Merodon equestris (Narcissus bulb fly).

Question 4

Microdontinae

Answer 4

A subfamily of hoverflies which differ from other subfamilies by being myrmecophiles - they lay their larvae in the nests of ants. Some species lack the vena spuria which is characteristic of all other hoverflies.

Question 5

Helophilus

Answer 5

A genus of hoverflies within the subfamily Eristalinae (tribe Eristalini) that have no common name. The adult forms have distinctive lengthwise-striped thoraxes and transverse-striped abdomens. It includes H. pendulus.

Question 6

Eristalis

Answer 6

A genus of hoverflies within the subfamily Eristalinae (tribe Eristalini) that are often known as drone flies due to their mimicry of male honeybees. It includes E. tenax (common drone fly) which is very widespread.

Question 7

Volucella

Answer 7

A genus of hoverflies within the subfamily Eristalinae (tribe Volucellini) that have broad bodies, dramatic colouration and faces extended downward. The species may have multiple colour forms to mimic various bee species e.g. V. bombylans.