Numbers
35 spp. in 3 subgenera in our area
(1), >300 total
Identification
Note distinctive "snout" of this and related genera.
Copestylum has
plumose arista and distinctive wing venation. See
(1)Range
New World, mostly tropical; in our area, across the US + sw. Canada
(1); 4 spp. introduced to Hawaii and the Canary Is.
Habitat
larvae develop in various kinds of decaying organic matter (saguaro, rotting banana stumps, paw-paw, exudates from Timbo, etc.) and also found in the water-filled bracts of Heliconia spp. (Marcos-García & Pérez-Bañón 2001); adults on flowers
Print References
Marcos-García M.A., Pérez-Bañón C. (2001) Immature stages, morphology and feeding behavior of the saprophytic syrphids
Copestylum tamaulipanum and
Copestylum lentum (Diptera: Syrphidae). Eur. J. Entomol. 98: 375-385. (
Full text)