Megasyrphus laxus (Osten Sacken 1875), the black-legged gossamer fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly observed throughout North America. 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 are unknown.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Black-legged Gossamer 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
- Megasyrphus erraticus
- Didea fuscipes
- Didea intermedia
- Didea alneti
- Lapposyrphus aberrantis
- Dasysyrphus venustus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Syrphidae
- Genus
- Megasyrphus
- Species
- Megasyrphus laxus
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