Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Some species formerly listed as Xylota, Xylotina.
Explanation of Names
Author of genus is Curran 1925.
Identification
Small syrphids with enlarged, somewhat spiny, hind femora. Usually black. At least one species (C. pigra/piger) is black with bright red abdomen, possibly a wasp mimic. Some in genus have yellow and black abdomens.
Range
Includes eastern North America
Habitat
Flowers in fields, meadows, etc.
Season
April-June, some species into November (North Carolina)
Life Cycle
Various references found on the Internet suggest the larvae feed in decaying wood, perhaps decaying sap.
Remarks
Many formerly listed in genus Xylota, Xylotina, others.
Internet References
Insects of Cedar Creek--photos Xylota angustiventris, ejuncida, nemorum, pigra. (Some of these may not be in Chalcosyrphus now?)
Washington DC Biodiversity:
C. metallifera,
C. metallicus
North Carolina State University Entomology Collection lists for that state, with number pinned: anthreas (1), libo (2), metallica (10), nemorum (11), pigra (48), vecors(1), violascens (13)
Contributed by
Cotinis on 14 October, 2004 - 9:49pm
Last updated 6 October, 2005 - 5:45am
