Our insect of the week for July 7, 2025 is Helophilus fasciatus (Walker, 1849), the narrow-headed marsh fly [DIPTERA: Syrphidae]. Adults of most members of this family are also called hover flies as they can appear to remain mostly motionless when visiting a flower. Adults visit flowers to obtain both nectar and pollen. Yes, this and many related species are well known pollinators.

Two broods of adults are often observed in Illinois (adults in May/ June and again in September/ October).

Larvae are often found in wet decaying organic matter (ponds or farm waste).

The individual in this stacked photograph was collected by our former member, Gordon Adams during September, 1970 (Peoria Co., IL).