This small shiny, black fly is approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) 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.
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.
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.
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