Copestylum mexicana? - Copestylum mexicanum

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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Flies (Diptera) » "Aschiza" » Hover Flies (Syrphidae) » Eristalinae » Volucellini » Copestylum » mexicanum-violaceum group (Copestylum mexicanum-violaceum group) » Mexican Cactus Fly (Copestylum mexicanum)

Photo#40805

Copyright © 2006 Sean McCann

Copestylum mexicana? - Copestylum mexicanum -

Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida, USA
January 11, 2006

At first I thought these were Ornidia obesa, just darker, but they were only really metallic on the abdomen, and weren't green. The wing patterning is different as well. They were pretty numerous today, but they are shy and approaching them was quite a challenge. I am pretty sure these are Copestylum mexicana.

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Copestylum mexicana? - Copestylum mexicanum - female

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Contributed by Sean McCann on 12 January, 2006 - 1:03pm
Last updated 25 January, 2006 - 1:38pm

Copestylum mexicana

I agree, it does look like C. mexicana, including the dark wing markings. They are big, 15-20mm. At times they fly in considerable numbers around food plants in southern California (like Yerba Santa, and Rubber Rabbitbrush, depending on the time of year).
There's at least one other image in Bugguide from Florida, by Tony DiTerlizzi.
Your image seems to be that of a female. - the flower looks like something asteraceous, do you know what it is?

… Hartmut Wisch, 13 January, 2006 - 11:48am

...

I believe the flower is Bidens alba, or something similar. Here is a link to more info: http://www.floridata.com/ref/b/bide_alb.cfm

… Sean McCann, 13 January, 2006 - 12:45pm

I agree, too.

C. mexicana for sure. Moving to guide with compliments on the fine images:-)

… Eric R. Eaton, 13 January, 2006 - 12:12pm

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