Names and Taxonomy
- Common Names: Single-banded Plushback
- Synonyms: Eristalis alhambra
- Order: Diptera (Flies)
- Family: Syrphidae (Hoverflies)
- Genus Information: 11 species in NV, 11 in CA, 11 in US, 85 world
Palpada alhambra
Single-banded Plushback
Introduction:
In a Single-banded Plushback (Palpada alhambra), the dorsal and ventral bands are typically aligned or offset by a small amount. In a Double-banded Plushback (Palpada agrorum), the dorsal and ventral bands are offset significantly, appearing to alternate or be positioned opposite each other. When viewing this fly from the top or bottom, it is almost exactly the same as the Double-banded Plushback. The other major factor in the identification of this particular hoverfly, is the distribution. The Double-banded Plushback is found over both north and South America, and very common in the eastern United States. The Single-banded Plushback is found in California, Nevada, and Arizona. This species is characterized by its orange-yellow body with narrow, dark bands on the abdomen and three encircling yellow bands. The thorax is covered with a black metallic shield on the upper side with white to gray hair, and the rest is covered with orange-yellow hair.
Life Cycle:
Size 0.25-0.5 inch (7-12 mm)
Sexual Dimorphism: yes but subtle banding differences on the abdomen.
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
