About Sericomyia chrysotoxoides Macquart, 1842
Sericomyia chrysotoxoides (Macquart 1842), commonly called the Oblique-banded Pond Fly, is a common species of syrphid fly. It has been observed across the eastern half of North America and in the Rocky Mountains. Syrphid flies are also referred to as Hover Flies or Flower Flies, because adult syrphid flies are frequently found hovering around flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. Adult Sericomyia chrysotoxoides are 9.6–1315.3 mm (0.38–51.78 in) long, with a black body marked by yellow bands; the yellow bands are less prominent on males. Larvae of the Sericomyia genus are called rat tailed maggots, named for their long posterior breathing tube.
