PIPIZA SP.
Pipiza sp.
FLOWER FLY FAMILY (Syrphidae)
Description
This small shiny, black fly is approximately 3/8 inch in length. The thorax is black. The abdomen is black with paired yellow spots on segment two. The legs are yellow which are medially dark on the tibia and proximally dark on the femur. The proximal half of the wings is clear and the distal half is smoky-colored. This fly was identified by volunteer experts on the BugGuide website.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence of this Syrphid Fly in Fontenelle Forest is unkown. The individual shown here was photographed in Fontenelle Forest in mid- May.
Comments
Pipiza flies are in the subfamily Syrphinae and the tribe Pipizini. Adults eat nectar and pollen produced by native plants which have large flowers with a flat center. Larvae are predators of gall forming aphids. Pipiza flies are considered to be efficient biocontrol agents.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Nature Association who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page
is: Loren Padelford.
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