Explanation of Names
XANTHOGRAMMA: from the Greek "xanthos" (yellow) + "gramma' (something written) - perhaps a reference to the yellow abdominal bands, suggesting written lines?
FLAVIPES: from the Latin "flavus" (yellow) - hmmm... this fly is yellow in two languages
Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America
Identification
face, margins on thorax, and transverse bands on abdomen all bright yellow; female may have brown bands between the yellow abdominal bands
Range
northeastern US and southeastern Canada
Season
adults from May to September
Life Cycle
Unknown. In Eurasia, larvae of this genus are associated with ants,
Lasius (
Bioimages--
The Virtual Field Guide (UK)).
Internet References
adult images of male and female (Field Guide to the Flower Flies of Ontario)
pinned adult image of female (Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota)
Bioimages--
The Virtual Field Guide (UK)
