Episyrphus balteatus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Episyrphus balteatus
A female Episyrphus balteatus visiting a flower for pollen
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Diptera Superfamily: Syrphoidea Family: Syrphidae Subfamily: Syrphinae Genus: Episyrphus Species: Episyrphus balteatus

Episyrphus balteatus, usually called the Marmelade Fly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9-12mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout all continents. Like most other hoverflies it mimics a much more dangerous insect, the solitary wasp, though it is a quite harmless species. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the 3rd and 4th dorsal plates and of faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax.

The Marmelade Fly can be found throughout the year in various habitats, including urban gardens, visiting flowers for pollen and nectar. Often form dense migratory swarms, which may cause panic among people for its resemblance to wasps. It is among the very few species of flies capable of crushing pollen grains and feed on them. The larva is terrestrial and feeds on aphids.

Like in most other hoverflies males can be easily identified by its holoptic eyes, i.e., left and right compound eyes touching at the top of the head.

[edit] References

1. Stubbs, A.E., & Falk, S.J. (2002). British hoverflies. An illustrated identification guide, ed. 2, British Entomological and Natural History Society, Reading.
2. Verrall, G.H. (1901). British flies, vol. 8: Platypezidae, Pipunculidae and Syrphidae of Great Britain, reprint, 1969, E.W.Classey, Hampton.
3. Chiney, Michael (2007), Insects of Britain and Wstern Europe. Domino Guides, A&C Black, London