Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Synonymous with Metasyrphus. Long ago lumped together with Syrphus.
Explanation of Names
Author of genus is Osten Sacken, 1877.
Identification
Eupeodes has a margined abdomen, not found in Syrphus. It has paired spots on the tergites that may merge to form bands (but you have to be careful, according to Paul Beuck).
The only genus in the Syrphini that has long hairs on the lower lobe of the calypter is Syrphus and that is used to separate the genus from all related genera.
Another feature you will find in most Syrphus (but not in all and also in some species in other genera) is a dull mesonotum. Many Syrphinae have a strongly shining mesonotum, sometimes with two whitish stripes near the anterior margin. When you look carefully you can sometimes discern very vague stripes in some other species.
A character of Eupeodes not found in Syrphus is the margined abdomen. A second character (but be more careful with this one) is that Eupeodes has paired spots on the tergites that may merge to form bands. And that is where you have to be careful. (Comments by Paul Beuck).
See further comments regarding separating
Eupeodes from the similar
Syrphus HERERange
Throughout North America.
Food
Larvae feed on aphids although they also take other available food, adults take nectar from flowers
