Syritta pipiens

Syritta pipiens, also known as the thick-legged hoverfly, is a flower fly originally from Europe that was introduced to the United States in the 1800s. The larva can be found in compost piles or manure. The adult has distinctive swellings on it hind legs, white spots on the thorax directly behind the head, and red marks on the hind tibia that can be used in identification. 

Order: Diptera

Family: Syrphidae
Species: Syritta pipiens

Photograph: © 2008 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 27 July 2008
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45o43'41" N 111o08'11" W)