Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Explanation of Names
From Greek
helos ('ελος)- "marsh-meadow" +
philo (φιλω)- "to like, love"
(1) (2). Presumably refers to the aquatic larvae.
Numbers
Nine species north of Mexico
Identification
Lengthwise-striped thorax, transverse-striped abdomen, broad pterostigma.
Pterostigma of Helophilus (left) and Parhelophilus (right; Lejops is similar):
Range
Widespread, but more speciose in northern Canada.
Ranges from Stone (1965):
(3)
Fasciatus and latifrons are widespread from southern Canada to Mexico.
Alaskensis, neoaffinis, and stricklandi are far Northern.
The other species are widespread in Canada and Alaska and may be found in the mountains of the West and in states bordering Canada.
Remarks
In this genus, eyes of males do not touch (like those of all syrphid females) and abdominal details are necessary to tell male from female.
See Also
Parhelophilus (typically smaller, narrow pterostigma)
Lejops (also with narrow pterostigma)
Print References
Borror, entries for roots
(2)
The Century Dictionary--entry for
Helophilus (1)
Eaton and Kaufman, pp. 302-303
(4)Internet References
Helophilus fasciatus--Cirrus Digital Imaging
Insects of Cedar Creek--fasciatus, hybridus, latifrons, also cf.
Parhelophilus
Syrphidae of Oklahoma--describes and keys
latifrons, fasciatus
North Carolina State University Entomology Collection lists from that state, with number pinned: anniae (4), chrysostomus (76--now
Lejops chrysostomus?), fasciatus (66), integer (5), laetus (6), latifrons (11)
Canadian National Collection has photographs of six Ontario species with key identifying details marked
