Helophilus obscurus (Loew, 1863), the obscure marsh fly, is a common species of syrphid fly observed throughout Canada and the northern United States and Rocky Mountains. 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. The larvae of this genus are associated with wet decaying organic material, particularly accumulations of decaying vegetation in ponds and mud and farmyard manure or silage the larvae of this species are not known.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Obscure Marsh 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
- Helophilus neoaffinis
- Helophilus affinis
- Helophilus hybridus
- Parhelophilus rex
- Parhelophilus flavifacies
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Syrphidae
- Genus
- Helophilus
- Species
- Helophilus obscurus
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