Order Diptera Higher classification Allograpta | Family Syrphidae Scientific name Allograpta obliqua Rank Species | |
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Similar Allograpta, Fly, Hoverfly, Insect, Arthropod | ||
Allograpta obliqua is a common North American species of hoverfly. The larvae are important predators on aphids.
Contents
Description
Adults are 6–7 mm long, with yellow stripes on the thorax, and cross banding on the abdomen; with four longitudinal, yellow stripes or spots on the fourth and fifth tergite. Yellow face lacking a complete median stripe. Eggs are creamy white, elongate oval and about 0.84 mm in length. Full grown larvae are 8–9 mm.
Life history
Adults of A. obliqua occur throughout the year in the southern part of their range. Eggs are laid on surfaces leaves or branches near aphids. Larvae hatch in two to eight days and feed on the aphids.
Distribution
Found in most of the continental United States. Quebec in Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, and some parts of the Neotropical Americas, and the West Indies.