About Melanostoma fasciatum (Macquart, 1850)
Adult Melanostoma fasciatum look similar to Melangyna novaezelandiae, another hoverfly species endemic to New Zealand. Their bodies are glossy black, and the abdomen has three pairs of yellow patches across three of its segments. When the fly is not moving, its wings fold over the abdomen. The species has relatively large, dark red compound eyes. Larvae of this species are legless. They are pale right after hatching from eggs, but darken as they go through successive molts. A projection on the rear end of the larva's body functions as a breathing tube. The eggs of Melanostoma fasciatum are white, and can be laid either singly or in clusters. Melanostoma fasciatum is endemic to New Zealand, where it is widespread across the country. It tends to be more abundant in the North Island. This species can be found in grasslands, gardens, and other habitats with low-growing vegetation, particularly in agricultural areas.
