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Variable aphideater

Variable aphideater

Eupeodes latifasciatus

A species of Eupeodes

For terms see Morphology of Diptera Wing length 6·5-8 ·5 mm. Male:Yellow spots of tergites 3 and 4 connected. Front margin of yellow spots almost straight, parallel with front margin of tergite. Scutellum mainly yellow haired on disc.Female: No frontal dust spots, frons entirely shiny. Lateral margins of tergite 5 yellow. Yellow spots of tergites 3 and 4 joined as bands reaching lateral margins. The male genitalia are figured by Dusek and Laska (1976). The larva is described by Dusek & Laska (1960).

General Info About Variable aphideater
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Attributes of Variable aphideater
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Habitat: Wetland and open ground; fen, humid, grassland, and along streams in open country, unsown fallow land. Flowers visited include white umbellifers, Caltha, Convolvulus, Euphorbia, Prunus padus, Ranunculus, Salix repens, Taraxacum, Tussilago, Ulex. The flight period is May to September (April to October in southern Europe).
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, pollen, plant secretions
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Variable aphideater is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Variable aphideater
Palaearctic Fennoscandia South to Iberia and the Mediterranean basin. Turkey, Ireland eastwards through Europe to European Russia, the Russian Far East, Siberia to the Pacific coast (Sakhalin and Kuril Isles), India, Nearctic from Alaska south to California and Texas.
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Life Cycle of Variable aphideater
Egg Laid by the adult variable aphideater, the eggs are small and oval. At this initial stage, the developing variable aphideater is protected by a hard shell and does not have a distinct shape or color, often blending with the surroundings.
Larva Once hatched, the larva of variable aphideater is legless and maggot-like, focused on eating and growth. It has a soft body, which expands with each molt, and its color can vary depending on diet and environment.
Pupal After reaching sufficient size, the variable aphideater larva enters the pupal stage, encased within a hard puparium. During this time, it undergoes significant transformation, reshaping its body and internal structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult variable aphideater’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Variable aphideater Larvae
Frogs, toads, beetles, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Variable aphideater
Birds, dragonflies, rodents, spiders, insectivorous plants
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Scientific Classification of Variable aphideater
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Variable aphideater
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Adult Habitat of Variable aphideater
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Variable aphideater Through Different Life Stages
The larval stage of variable aphideater is typically found on foliage where aphids are present, as they are predatory at this stage. Searching for larvae would involve inspecting the undersides of leaves in gardens or agricultural areas where aphid populations are known to occur. The adult variable aphideater prefers to inhabit areas rich in nectar sources for feeding, such as flower-rich meadows or gardens. To find adults, one should look for them hovering around or sitting on flowers on sunny days, especially during the late spring to early fall when they are most active.
Are Variable aphideater harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Variable aphideater
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Variable aphideater is a beneficial pollinator, often seen hovering over flowers of Asteraceae and fruit trees. Attracted by the vibrant colors and sweet scents, it feeds on pollen and nectar. While feeding, pollen sticks to its body, facilitating cross-pollination as it moves from flower to flower.
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Aphids
Variable aphideater is a larval predator, primarily targeting aphids for consumption. In its larval stage, it voraciously hunts the soft-bodied pests to satiate its hunger. This syrphid fly showcases fascinating predatory behavior, as the larvae consume hundreds of aphids, playing a significant ecological role in controlling their populations. What's less known is that adult variable aphideater mainly feed on nectar and pollen, contributing to pollination.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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