''Cheilosia'' is a
genus
Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...
of
hoverfly
Hoverflies, also called flower flies or syrphids, make up the insect family Syrphidae. As their common name suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the l ...
. Most ''Cheilosia'' are black or largely un-coloured, lacking the bright colours and patterns of many hoverfly species.
It is one of the most species diverse genera of hoverflies. The biology of many species is little understood, but where known, the
larva
A larva (; : larvae ) is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into their next life stage. Animals with indirect development such as insects, some arachnids, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase ...
e of ''Cheilosia'' species feed in the stems of plants or in fungi.
Systematics
Species include:
References
External links
Images representing ''Cheilosia''
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Hoverfly genera
Rhingiini
Taxa named by Johann Wilhelm Meigen