Head is large. Eyes are large and often brilliantely coloured. In male eyes are holoptic
(contiguous) and in female dichoptic (seperate). The third antennal segment is
annulated. The proboscis is strong and pointing downwards.
They are swift fliers.
Male feeds on nectar. Female sucks blood from cattle and horses. They spread anthrax.
Sub order: CYCLORRHAPHA 5. SYRPHIDAE (Hover flies, Flower flies)
They are birghtly coloured and brilliantly striped. A vein like thickening (spurious vein) is
present in between the radius and median in the forewing.
Insect Morphology and Systematics
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Abdomen has distinct black and yellow markings.
Maggots prey on soft bodied insects especially aphids.
Abdults are excellent flies. They hover over flowers. They feed on pollen and nectar. They
aid in pollination.
