Subject: Syrphid Fly, Blera badia

Location: Upshur County, West Virginia

Stock Number: 07-25111 (above) and 07-25110 (below)

Comments: This species ranges from Minnesota to Quebec and south to Georgia. It is one of seventeen Nearctic species in genus Blera.

A key identification characteristic of this species is that 1/3 or more of the basal end of the hind femur is yellow. Also, the fine hairs above the base of the wing are yellow. Note too, that in this species the three apical tarsomeres on the front leg are black.

Larvae of flies in this genus develop in holes in rotting trees or in exuding sap.