Syrphid Fly – Helophilus Species
This gorgeous fly certainly lives up to its name, helophilus:”sun lover.” From early spring, these large insects are active and basking in sunny areas, or nectaring on dozens of different flowers.
Most hover flies are between 5-20 mm long, brightly colored in yellow and black, and have large compound eyes that nearly cover the head.
One rule of thumb for identifying hover fly gender is, if the eyes meet at the top of the head, it’s a male specimen.
North American Insects & Spiders
Online since 2002
