Temnostoma alternans (Loew, 1864), the Wasp-like falsehorn, is a common species of syrphid fly observed throughout the northern and central United States and widespread in Canada. Hoverflies can remain nearly motionless in flight. The adults are also known as flower flies for they are commonly found on flowers, from which they get both energy-giving nectar and protein-rich pollen. Larvae burrow in moist decayed wood.[2][3]

Temnostoma alternans
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Tribe: Milesiini
Subtribe: Temnostomina
Genus: Temnostoma
Species:
T. alternans
Binomial name
Temnostoma alternans
Loew, 1864[1]

Distribution

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Canada, United States.

References

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  1. ^ Loew, H. (1864). "Diptera Americae septentrionalis indigena. Centuria quinta". Berliner Entomologische Zeitschrift. 8: 49–104. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  2. ^ Rotheray, G.E. (1993). "Colour Guide to Hoverfly Larvae (Diptera, Syrphidae) in Britain and Europe" (PDF). Diperists Digest. 9: 155.
  3. ^ Skevington, Jeffrey H (2019). Field Guide to the Flower Flies of Northeastern North America. ISBN 9780691189406.