Virtual Exhibit on Canada´s Biodiversity

	Habitat Adults: terrestrial Immatures: terrestrial Feeding Habits Adults: nectar and pollen feeding Immatures: Size: 4 to 25 mm Flight : strong flier North American Species: 870	Diptera Syrphidae Syrphid flies or flower flies Front Wings: membranous Hind Wings: reduced to halteres Mouthparts: sponging Antenna Length: shorter than body Antenna Shape: straight Front Legs: unmodified Hind Legs: unmodified Special Characteristics: Syrphidae are small to large flies that are very slender to robust. Most are brightly coloured and many look like bees or wasps, but syrphids do not sting. They have large eyes that cover almost the entire head.
	Comments: Adults often hover near flowers. The larvae have a wide range of habitats and foods; most are predators of aphids and other insects, some are scavengers and live in soil, decaying plant matter or in polluted water, some are parasites and live in ant or bee nests and a few are phytophagous and feed on plant tissues.

	Species: Metasyrphus americanus (Wied.) Common Name: Feeding Habits: The larvae are predaceous on larvae of scale insects and on aphids. Distribution: Widespread in Canada. Comments: Adults are common on flowers and foliage in meadows and fields.