PARHELOPHILUS SP.
Parhelophilus sp.
FLOWER FLY FAMILY (Syrphidae)
This flower fly is approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) in length. It has large dark red eyes. The face is yellow and the antennae are orange. The thorax is yellow with brown longitudinal stripes. The abdomen is yellow with black transverse bands. The legs are yellow. The wings are clear. These flies are closely allied to flies in the genus Helophilus that also have the dark longitudinal thoracic bands. This fly was identified to genus by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website.
The frequency of occurrence is not known. The individual shown here was photographed in early August in Fontenelle Forest.
These flower flies feed on goldenrod, asters and other composites. They belong to the tribe Eristalini which includes medium to large hoverfies that are bee-like in appearance. The larvae live in polluted water.
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