| Eupeodes americanus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Syrphidae |
| Genus: | Eupeodes |
| Species: | E. americanus |
| Binomial name | |
| Eupeodes americanus Wiedemann, 1830 |
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| Synonyms | |
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The American hover fly, Eupeodes americanus, is found throughout North America and inhabits meadows, and fields with flowers and foliage. Adult American hover flies feed on nectar, whereas their larva feed on aphids. The adult fly is black to metallic green, and has 3 yellow bands on its abdomen. Its face is yellowish but with black cheeks, and its wings are clear, it is 9–12 mm in body length.[1] The Larvae are mature at around 11mm, They are yellow-white to salmon brown, with markings of black and white or yellow-white. The lighter markings consist of a transverse rectangular bars on segments 6 to 11, and a narrow line along each side of the larvae. Early instars have visible black setae. The larvae is an active feeder. They are being considered as suitable biological control agents for aphids and scale insects.[2]