Field guide to the flower flies of northeastern North America

This book is the first comprehensive field guide to the flower flies (sometimes called hover flies) of the northeastern United States. Following an excellent general discussion of the natural history of this intriguing group of insects, the authors provide a specific description for each one of the 416 species known in the Northeast. Although a dichotomous key to species is not provided, the text includes selective information on field or laboratory identification. Aspects of species abundance, seasonal activity, habitat preferences, size, behavior, known flower predilections, and larval development are also included. A distribution map for each species is also provided. The book is profusely illustrated by an outstanding collection of full-color macrophotographs representing each species. Distinctive identifying features are clearly labeled in photographs. A glossary of taxonomic terms and black-and-white illustrations of the relevant anatomy needed for identification are helpful additions. This volume will be of considerable interest to general entomologists and an invaluable aid to dipterists, especially those who count themselves as syrphidologists. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and researchers. --Danny A. Brass, independent scholar