Sericomyia sp.

Sericomyia is a genus of flower flies. 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. The larva of this species feeds on small insects. Although these flies are often mistaken for wasps, they are harmless to humans.

Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Species: Sericomyia sp.

Photograph: © 2015 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 5 August 2015
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o29'4" N 110^o58'46" W)