Melangyna novaezelandiae, commonly referred to as the large hoverfly, is a hoverfly species found in New Zealand. They are widespread throughout the country and abundant during summer months. They occur in a variety of habitats, including in subalpine and agricultural zones. As adults, they are around 9–12 millimetres in length, with a blackish body that has yellowish markings on the abdomen. The larvae vaguely resemble green slugs. The adults live for around 19–45 days and lay their eggs near aphid colonies. As adults, they feed on pollen and nectar from a wide range of flower species. Their pollen diet is considered to be essential for the females to produce eggs.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Large Hover Fly being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Melangyna ambusta
- Platycheirus chalconota
- Platycheirus fenestrata
- Meliscaeva auricollis
- Platycheirus trichopus
- Melangyna pavlovskyi
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Syrphidae
- Genus
- Melangyna
- Species
- Melangyna novaezelandiae
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