Species Merodon equestris - Narcissus bulb fly

Classification · Numbers · Identification · Food · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Bee-like Syrphid Fly - Merodon equestris - male

Unkonwn Syrphid - Merodon equestris - male

Narcissus Bulb Fly - Merodon equestris - male

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Diptera (Flies)

No Taxon (Aschiza)

Family Syrphidae (Syrphid Flies)

Subfamily Eristalinae

Tribe Merodontini

Genus Merodon

Species equestris (Narcissus bulb fly)

Numbers

Only one species.

Identification

Color patterns vary - one form has a black band across the thorax, others are golden or reddish. Colors do not seem to distinguish males from females.

The eyes of males (below left) meet at the front. Eyes of females (below right) are separated. This distinction is not visible from all angles, as male eyes also separate further back.

Wing veins include a pattern that resembles a sock (below).

Food

Larvae live in and feed upon plant bulbs.

Print References

(1)

Internet References

PBase

Nature Photography UK

Works Cited

1.	American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico By Ross H. Arnett

Contributed by john and jane balaban on 20 September, 2004 - 9:27pm
Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason, Beatriz Moisset
Last updated 16 June, 2008 - 11:36am

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