Hover Flies

(Family Syrphidae)

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Overview

Biology

Lifecycle: Hoverflies undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae are often predaceous, feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied insects, making them valuable natural predators in gardens and agricultural fields.
Mimicry: The bee and wasp mimicry in their appearance is a form of Batesian mimicry, which helps protect hoverflies from potential predators that might avoid stinging insects.
Reproduction: Adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen from flowers and play a vital role in pollination. They lay their eggs near aphid colonies, providing a food source for their developing larvae.

Food

Adult hoverflies primarily feed on nectar and pollen from a variety of flowers. They are important pollinators in ecosystems and gardens.
Larval Diet: The larvae of hoverflies are voracious predators of soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids. They are beneficial in natural pest control, helping to reduce aphid populations in gardens and agricultural fields.

Hoverflies, also known as flower flies or syrphid flies, are a diverse family of flies that closely resemble bees and wasps. They are known for their remarkable ability to hover in the air, often seen near flowers where they play a significant role in pollination.

Description

Appearance: Hoverflies vary in size and appearance, but they typically have brightly colored bodies with black and yellow or brown markings, mimicking the appearance of bees and wasps. They are often mistaken for bees due to their coloration.
Wing Movement: True to their name, hoverflies are skilled at hovering in mid-air, a behavior that sets them apart from many other flies. Their wings beat rapidly, allowing them to maintain a stationary position.

Habitat

Hoverflies can be found in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, meadows, forests, and urban areas. They are often seen in areas with abundant flowers.
Nests: Hoverflies do not construct nests like social bees and wasps. Their larvae are usually found near aphid-infested plants, which serve as a source of food.

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