eristeid

Eristeid is a proposed taxonomic classification within the order Hymenoptera, specifically within the superfamily Apoidea, which comprises bees and wasps. This group is generally recognized as a subfamily, Eristalinae, within the family Syrphidae, commonly known as hoverflies. Hoverflies are a diverse group of flies that often mimic bees and wasps in appearance, a phenomenon known as Batesian mimicry.

The name "Eristeid" itself is derived from the genus *Eristalis*, one of the most well-known and widespread genera of hoverflies. Members of this group are characterized by their robust bodies, often with yellow and black banding patterns, and their ability to hover in mid-air. Larvae of many eristeid species are aquatic, often referred to as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their distinctive, telescopic breathing siphon, which allows them to extract air from the surface while submerged in stagnant water. Adults are important pollinators, feeding on nectar and visiting a wide variety of flowers. They are found across the globe in various habitats, from forests to urban gardens. The classification as "Eristeid" is primarily used in older or less current taxonomic systems, with Eristalinae being the more commonly accepted modern designation.