Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Transverse flower fly

Transverse flower fly

Eristalis transversa

A species of Rat-tailed maggots, Also known as Transverse-banded drone fly

Eristalis transversa is a fly species from the gliding family (Syrphidae). The scientific name of the species was published as Eristalis transversus in 1830 by Christian Rudolph Wilhelm Wiedemann.

General Info About Transverse flower fly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Transverse flower fly
Colors
Black
Orange
Habitat
hover fly habitat; flowered area; garden; field
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, pollen, honeydew, plant secretions, water
Larva Food Source
Decaying organic matter, liquid sludge, stagnant water organic materials, microorganisms in water
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Transverse flower fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Transverse flower fly
It can be found in Pennsylvania.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Transverse flower fly
Eastern United States and Canada
Rectangle
Adult Size of Transverse flower fly
1.2 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Transverse flower fly Larvae
Frogs, toads, beetles, aquatic insect larvae
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Transverse flower fly
Birds, spiders, rodents, wasps
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Transverse flower fly
Transverse flower fly larvae can breathe underwater using a snorkel-like tube, earning them the nickname 'rat-tailed maggots'.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Transverse flower fly
Tips for Finding Transverse flower fly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Transverse flower fly
Freshwater Habitats, Rotting and Decaying Matter
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Transverse flower fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Tropical Rainforests
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Transverse flower fly
Transverse flower fly are most active during the daytime, especially on warm, sunny days when flowers are in full bloom and when temperatures are conducive for flight activities.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Transverse flower fly
Warm and sunny weather with little to no wind is ideal for finding transverse flower fly, as these conditions are preferable for their flight and pollination activities.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Transverse flower fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Transverse flower fly larvae are aquatic or live in semi-aquatic environments with decaying organic matter. To find them, search in stagnant water bodies like ponds or ditches rich with decaying vegetation.
Pupal Transverse flower fly pupae are transitional and typically found within or around their larval habitat. Look for them attached to vegetation or other surfaces near the water's edge.
Adult Transverse flower fly adults can be found in gardens, meadows, and wherever there are flowering plants. They are frequently seen hovering over flowers, so observing these areas during conducive weather and time would be best to spot them.
Are Transverse flower fly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Transverse flower fly
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Decomposers
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Transverse flower fly is an efficient pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and sweet scents. While feeding on nectar and pollen, transverse flower fly inadvertently picks up pollen on its body and transfers it to other flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. This inadvertent pollen transfer is crucial for many ecosystems.
Decomposers
Items
Decaying Organic Matter, Dead Plants
In the larvae stage, transverse flower fly acts as an efficient decomposer. These grubs thrive in decomposing plant and animal matter, breaking down and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They play a crucial role in soil health and fertility. Little known fact: transverse flower fly larvae are sometimes referred to as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their distinctive elongated breathing tube which they use to breathe while submerged in the decaying matter.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Transverse flower fly
Mexican cactus fly
Mexican cactus fly

Adorned with bands of yellow and black across its abdomen and a metallic sheen, mexican cactus fly is a skilled pollinator, flitting among flowers with a discerning taste for nectar. In their larval stage, these creatures exhibit a remarkable appetite for aphids, contributing to the natural balance of garden ecosystems. In their adulthood, they mimic their stinging hymenopteran counterparts, a clever ruse that protects them from many predators.

Read More
Arrow
Yellow-spotted bromeliad fly
Yellow-spotted bromeliad fly

Copestylum avidum, the yellow-spotted bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Syrphid fly
Syrphid fly

Copestylum tamaulipanum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Purple Bromeliad Fly
Purple Bromeliad Fly

Copestylum violaceum, the purple bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Wavy mucksucker
Wavy mucksucker

Characterized by a remarkable ability to hover in mid-air, wavy mucksucker exhibits a striking, mimicry-based resemblance to stinging Hymenoptera, though it is entirely harmless to humans. This aerodynamic prowess is coupled with larval stages that occur in damp habitats, often within decaying material, where they contribute to decomposition. As adults, they primarily feed on nectar and pollen, playing a significant role in the pollination of various flora.

Read More
Arrow
Simosyrphus grandicornis
Simosyrphus grandicornis

This spice has been introduced to several Polynesian islands, and Hawaii.

Read More
Arrow
Spotted wood fly
Spotted wood fly

Somula decora is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Eastern catkin fly
Eastern catkin fly

Brachypalpus oarus is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow