Chrysotoxum sp.

Chrysotoxum is a genus of flower flies. The adult looks very similar to certain wasps, such as yellow jackets. The adult feeds on flower nectar and pollen. Larval stages of hoverflies have varying diets. Some larvae are predacious and prey on aphids or thrips while others are saprotrophs, feeding on decaying plant and animal matter. Although these flies can often be mistaken for wasps, they are harmless to humans. 

Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Species: Chrysotoxum sp.

Photograph: © 2010 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 6 July 2010
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co.