Milesia virginiensis
Species of fly
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Milesia virginiensis, known generally as the yellowjacket hover fly or Virginia flower fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae.[6]
| Milesia virginiensis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Syrphidae |
| Subfamily: | Eristalinae |
| Tribe: | Milesiini |
| Subtribe: | Milesiina |
| Genus: | Milesia |
| Species: | M. virginiensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Milesia virginiensis | |
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| Distribution in the United States | |
| Synonyms | |
It measures 18–21 millimetres (0.71–0.83 in).[citation needed] It lives in forest edges and meadows. Adults are active mid-summer to early fall.[citation needed]
Distribution
Behavior
Adults of milesia virginiensis feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae are mainly detritovores, feeding on decaying plant matter. Adult milesia virginiensis are often seen hovering around an area, making erratic shifting movements before flying away. Milesia virginiensis cannot sting and are completely harmless.
Appearance
Milesia virginiensis mimics stinging yellow-jackets or European hornets in appearance to deter potential predators. Larvae resemble caterpillars with a narrow neck and a set of antennae.
