🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Spotted-eye Hover Fly

Eristalinus taeniops

About Spotted-eye Hover Fly

A large hover fly with distinctively striped compound eyes and a bee-like body. It is an excellent pollinator found throughout Africa.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are rat-tailed maggots that breathe through a telescoping siphon while living in stagnant water.

How to Identify Spotted-eye Hover Fly

Spotted-eye Hover Fly (Eristalinus taeniops) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Syrphidae. Adults typically measure 12-16 mm.

Spotted-eye Hover Fly Habitat

Spotted-eye Hover Fly is found in wetlands habitats, particularly across Throughout Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Spotted-eye Hover Fly Diet and Feeding

Spotted-eye Hover Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Spotted-eye Hover Fly Found?

Spotted-eye Hover Fly can be found in Throughout Africa, where it inhabits wetlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Spotted-eye Hover Fly can be found

Is Spotted-eye Hover Fly Dangerous?

Spotted-eye Hover Fly belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Spotted-eye Hover Fly Role in Nature

Spotted-eye Hover Fly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Spotted-eye Hover Fly

What does Spotted-eye Hover Fly look like?

The Spotted-eye Hover Fly typically measures 12-16 mm.

Where is Spotted-eye Hover Fly found?

The Spotted-eye Hover Fly is found in Throughout Africa and typically inhabits wetlands environments.

What does Spotted-eye Hover Fly eat?

The Spotted-eye Hover Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Spotted-eye Hover Fly dangerous to humans?

The Spotted-eye Hover Fly belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Spotted-eye Hover Fly?

Its larvae are rat-tailed maggots that breathe through a telescoping siphon while living in stagnant water.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Spotted-eye Hover Fly (Eristalinus taeniops). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/spotted-eye-hover-fly

MLA:
"Spotted-eye Hover Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/spotted-eye-hover-fly.