Insect Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Mexican Cactus Fly, Mexican flower fly
  • Synonyms: Volucella mexicana, Volucella nigra
  • Order: Diptera (Flys)
  • Family: Syrphidae (Hoverflies)
  • Genus Information: nk species in NV, nk in CA, 300 in US

Distribution

  • Distribution: Mexico, AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX
  • Seen: Mount Charleston
  • Habitat: Adults are often seen in gardens, meadows, and areas with flowering plants, feeding on nectar and pollen.
  • Food: Larvae of this fly are known to develop in rotting or dying cactus tissue.

Photographs

Mexican Cactus Fly (Copestylum mexicanum)

Mount Charleston (7/31)

Mexican Cactus Fly (Copestylum mexicanum)

Mount Charleston (7/31)

Mexican Cactus Fly (Copestylum mexicanum)

Mount Charleston (7/31)