About Spilomyia fusca Loew, 1864
Spilomyia fusca Loew, 1864, commonly called the Bald-faced Hornet Fly, is a fairly common species of syrphid fly. It was first officially described by Loew in 1864, and it occurs in eastern North America. Hoverflies, the common name for this insect group, get their name from their ability to stay nearly motionless while in flight. Adult syrphid flies are also called flower flies, because they are commonly found around and on flowers, where they collect energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. The larvae of this species are classified as short-tailed larvae, a form adapted for living in moist habitats such as rot holes in trees. This species’ distribution includes Canada and the United States.
