About Spilomyia liturata Williston, 1887
Spilomyia liturata, commonly called the Rocky Mountain Hornet Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly. Its scientific name was formally published by Williston in 1887. This species occurs in western North America along the Rocky Mountains, and its confirmed distribution includes the United States.
Syrphid flies are also called hoverflies, named for their ability to stay nearly motionless while in flight. Adult hoverflies are often referred to as flower flies because they are frequently 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, which are adapted to live in moist habitats like the rot holes of trees.
