[1][2][3] Species in this subfamily are often misclassified as bees instead of flies due to their exceptional Mimicry, especially to resemble Honeybees (family Apidae).

The best strategy for proper identification is to look at their eyes and wings and compare with fly morphology, to determine membership of family Syrphidae or of order Hymenoptera.

Larvae live in sap trails, under bark, in rot-holes in trees, in decaying organic material such as dung and compost, and in shallow aquatic environments.

Some other species are found to be leaf miners and tunnel inside the stems and roots of plants.

Larval habitats and mate-seeking sites of flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae, Eristalinae).