Two subgenera are recognized, Episyrphus and Asiobaccha. Species of the latter are distinguished by a petiolate abdomen.[3]
It has been claimed that classification within the genus Episyrphus needs revision, due to the poor clarity of species names and distinguishing characteristics between them.[4] Characters such as the colors on the abdomen or of the pile on the frons and scutellum, often taken as diagnostic, have been found to depend on temperature in studies on E. viridaureus.[3][4]
^ abcdefSmith, Kenneth G.V.; Vockeroth, J.R. (1980). Crosskey, R.W. (ed.). Catalogue of the Diptera of the Afrotropical Region (Print). London: British museum (Natural History). pp. 1–1436. ISBN0565-00821-8.
^Stubbs, Alan E.; Falk, Steven J. (1983). British Hoverflies: An Illustrated Identification Guide. British Entomological & Natural History Society. p. 253, xvpp.
^Hull, Frank M. (1941). "A study of syrphid flies from Madagascar". Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 92. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.: 309–334.
^Keiser, F. (1971). "Syrphidae von Madagaskar (Dipt.)". Verhandlungen der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Basal. 81. ngib: 223–318.
^ abVockeroth, J. R. (1973). "Some new or uncommon Syrphini (Diptera: Syrphidae) from southern Africa I". Annals of the Natal Museum. 21. The Natal Museum: 595–607.