About Spilomyia alcimus (Walker, 1849)
Spilomyia alcimus, commonly called the Broad-banded Hornet Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly. It was first officially described by Walker in 1849. Hoverflies, the common name for this insect group, get their name from their ability to stay nearly motionless while flying. Adult S. alcimus are also called flower flies, because they are commonly found around and on flowers. They get energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen from these flowers. The larvae of this species are short-tailed larvae, which are adapted to live in moist areas such as the rot holes of trees. This species is distributed in Canada and the United States.
