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Syrphus americanus
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Syrphus americanus

insect
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Quick Summary

Syrphus americanus is a species of hover fly, belonging to the family Syrphidae. These insects are often mistaken for wasps or bees due to their yellow markings, but they are harmless and do not bite or sting. Hover flies are known for their distinctive hovering behavior around flowers, where they feed on nectar.12

A key characteristic of hover flies is a false vein in their wings, which distinguishes them from other fly species. The larvae of many hover flies, including Syrphus americanus, are beneficial predators that feed on aphids, consuming hundreds of these plant pests before pupating. This predatory behavior makes them valuable in natural pest control and also contributes to pollination.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. hover fly
  2. syrphid
  3. syrphus fly

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