Hoverflies, Flower Flies Syrphid

This fly gets its name from its ability to hover in mid flight and can often be seen hovering over flowers on The Larvae sunny days. They will not be present The 0.04 - 0.5 inch legless larvae in cold, windy or rainy weather. taper to a point at the head and These flies look a lot like bees but range in color from green to creamy have a single pair of wings, which white and brown. They move by distinguishes them from bees and swinging their heads from side to side wasps, who have two pairs of wings. until they bump into prey, which they Adults are 0.16 long and are often grab and suck dry. They do not brightly colored, with various damage leaves during their feasting. patterns of black, yellow, white and One larvae can consume several occasionally brown or gray. hundred insects before reaching Hoverlies are valuable pollinators maturity. consuming nectar, pollen and How to Attract Hoverflies honeydew. But they do double duty Because the adult depends on nectar when the hoverfly female lays her and pollen to survive planting a eggs on lucky plants. The female diversity of flowering plants is the key selects those plants, which have a to encourage these garden helpers, large population of prey, soft-bodied hopefully covering all seasons. insects, including aphids, thrips, Another good point: these hoverflies leafhoppers, scales, caterpillars and are incapable of stinging more. In fact the female then adjusts her egg production based on semi- For further reading: chemical signals from the infested Walliser, Jessica, Attracting Beneficial plant that indicate amount of Bugs to Your Garden, Timber Press available aphids.