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Blotch-winged hoverfly

Blotch-winged hoverfly

Leucozona lucorum

A species of Leucozona, Also known as American whitebelt

Leucozona lucorum typically has a wing length of 7 ·75–10 mm. The face is yellow-dusted either side of the shining black median area. The thorax is yellowish-green with long reddish hairs, whilst the scutellum is yellow. The abdomen is black with long and abundant, partly pale yellow or whitish yellow and partly black hairs. A conspicuous brown spot can be found on the wings. The male genitalia and larva are figured by Dusek and Laska (1967). The larva is figured in colour by Rotheray (1994). See references for determination.

General Info About Blotch-winged hoverfly
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Attributes of Blotch-winged hoverfly
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
Palearctic from Fennoscandia South to the Pyrenees and North Spain. Ireland East through North and Central Europe into Turkey and European Russia, Russian Far East and Siberia and the Pacific coast (Kuril Islands and Japan).Nearctic from Alaska South to Oregon and New York.
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, pollen, honeydew, some fruit juices, occasional soft-bodied insects
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, thrips, caterpillars, scale insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Blotch-winged hoverfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Predatory
The Blotch-winged hoverfly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Blotch-winged hoverfly
Leucozona lucorum is widely distributed across the Palearctic and the Nearctic regions. In the Palearctic, it occurs from Fennoscandia south to the Pyrenees and North Spain and from Ireland east through North and Central Europe into Turkey and European Russia, the Russian Far East and Siberia and the Pacific coast (Kuril Islands and Japan). It is common in England. In the Nearctic, it occurs from Alaska south to Oregon and New York.
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Life Cycle of Blotch-winged hoverfly
Egg The egg form of the blotch-winged hoverfly exhibits a typically elongated, small shape. It's often a whitish or pale color and is deposited in locations with ample food supply for the larvae.
Larva In this phase, the blotch-winged hoverfly is worm-like in appearance, lacking true legs and wings. It grows through several molts, each time increasing in size and complexity, focusing mainly on feeding.
Pupal The pupal stage of blotch-winged hoverfly is a period of transformation. Encased in a hardened puparium, the blotch-winged hoverfly reorganizes internally, developing wings and adult body parts. This stage is static and does not feed.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult blotch-winged hoverfly displays a distinct enlargement and segmentation of the body, functional wings for flight, and mature reproductive organs. Color patterns are also evident, aiding in species identification.
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Predators of Blotch-winged hoverfly Larvae
Birds, rodents, lizards, frogs, spiders, predacious insects, beetles
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Predators of Adult Blotch-winged hoverfly
Birds, spiders, dragonflies, predacious insects, frogs, reptiles, rodents
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Scientific Classification of Blotch-winged hoverfly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Blotch-winged hoverfly
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Adult Habitat of Blotch-winged hoverfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Blotch-winged hoverfly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of blotch-winged hoverfly are typically laid on foliage near aphid colonies, their larval food source. As larvae, they are found on leaves where they consume aphids, often within dense vegetation or garden areas. Searching for larvae involves inspecting the undersides of leaves where aphids are present. Pupation usually occurs in the soil or in leaf litter, so investigating these areas, particularly where aphids were previously abundant, may yield pupae. Adult blotch-winged hoverfly, known for their hovering flight, are often seen around flowers, where they feed on nectar. Hence, to find adults, one should frequent flowering plants, gardens, and meadows during sunny days when they are most active.
Are Blotch-winged hoverfly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Blotch-winged hoverfly
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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
Blotch-winged hoverfly is attracted to the bright colors and sweet scents of flowers, especially those in the Asteraceae and umbellifer families. While feeding on nectar and pollen, blotch-winged hoverfly inadvertently picks up pollen on its body and transfers it to other flowers, aiding in plant pollination.
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Aphids
Blotch-winged hoverfly larvae are voracious predators, primarily targeting aphids. The larvae use their strong mandibles to capture and consume their prey, which provides them essential nutrients for growth. The adult blotch-winged hoverfly, contrary to the larvae, mainly feeds on nectar and does not prey on insects. This highlights a fascinating shift in diet as blotch-winged hoverfly matures from a predator in its larval stage to a pollinator in adulthood.
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