Kingdom Animalia Order Diptera Genus Syritta Higher classification Syritta | Phylum Arthropoda Family Syrphidae Scientific name Syritta pipiens Rank Species | |
Similar Syritta, Hoverfly, Fly, Insect, Sphaerophoria scripta | ||
Syritta pipiens is a very common species of European hover fly. It is sometimes called the thick-legged hoverfly, from its distinctive broad hind femora. They are fast nimble fliers, and the larvae feed in rotting organic matter.
Contents
Syritta pipiens linnaeus 1758 cleaning time
Description
External images For terms see Morphology of Diptera
Wing length: 4.25–7 mm (0.167–0.276 in). The male femur 3 is strongly thickened. It has no basal protuberance. Tergites 2 and 3 have small, pale marks. Female tergites have similar markings, with ocellar triangle bluish-black, metallic sheen. Side margins of thorax dorsum are dusted. Side and hind margins of tergite 4 are not dusted. See references for determination.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan except Afrotropical realm.
Biology
It is found wherever there are flowers. It is anthropophilic, as occurring in farmland, suburban gardens and urban parks. Flies all year in southern regions.