Syrphus opinator

Syrphus opinator is a beautiful flower fly. The adult is 7- to 12-mm long and feeds on 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 aphids and other small insects. Although these flies are often mistaken for wasps, they are harmless to humans.

Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Species: Syrphus opinator

Photograph: © 2003 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 28 October 2003
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o43'41" N 111^o08'11" W)