ERISTALIS STIPATOR

Eristalis stipator

FLOWER FLY FAMILY (Syrphidae)

This flower fly is a bee mimic and is approximately 1/2 inch in length.  The eyes are large and dark brown.  The thorax is plain brown.  There is a thin white band and then a thick black band on the 2nd abdominal segment with an open gold band superimposed on it.  The rest of the abdomen is black with thin white cross bands.  The 3rd segment is shiny black.  The dorsal surface of the thorax is covered with short buff-colored hairs (pile).  This species was identified by volunteer experts at BugGuide.

The adults can be found nectaring on flowers in summer.

The genus has 23 species in North America.  The larvae of this genus are known as "rat-tailed maggots" for a long, breathing tube the larva can extend to the surface of the water.  Larvae live in polluted water or wet carcasses.