These flies can fly fast, but they often pause to hover above flowers. The adult flies feed on pollen and nectar which they gather from flowers, while the larvae feed on aphids.
It is a slim bodied fly with reddish brown eyes, dark thorax and black and yellow banded abdomen. The larvae is brownish grub. This fly is sometimes mistaken for a wasp.

At a glance

Habitat Various habitats including parks, gardens, woodland
Size up to around 15 mm
Origin Native
Distribution It is found widely across Eastern Australia including Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
It is found widely across Eastern Australia including Tasmania
Habitat
Various habitats including parks, gardens, woodland
Size
up to around 15 mm
Common Name Common Hover Fly
Aliases Common Halfband,
Origin Native
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Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
SubclassPterygotes
OrderDiptera
SuborderCyclorrhapha
InfraorderAschiza
SuperfamilySyrphoidea
FamilySyrphidae
GenusMelangyna
SpeciesMelangyna viridiceps
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
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Added Fri 5 Jun 2020 @ 00:00 AM
Updated Sun 7 Nov 2021 @ 23:00 PM
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.