About Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann, 1830)
Eupeodes americanus, commonly known as the American hoverfly, is distributed across North America. It inhabits meadows and fields that contain flowers and foliage. Adult American hoverflies feed on nectar, while larvae of this species feed on aphids. Adult flies have a body length ranging from 9 to 12 mm. Their body color is black to metallic green, and they have three yellow bands on the abdomen. The face is light yellow, with large black compound eyes positioned on either side, and the wings are clear. Mature larvae reach approximately 11 mm in length. Larval color ranges from yellow-white to salmon brown, and they have black and white or yellow-white markings. The lighter markings include transverse rectangular bars on segments 6 through 11, plus a narrow line running along each side of the larva. Early instars have visible black setae, and larvae are active feeders. This species is being evaluated as a suitable biological control agent for aphids and scale insects. It is also classified as highly migratory, traveling from Canada to the southeastern United States during autumn.
