Hoverfly
Hoverflies are a family of true flies in the insect family Syrphidae, also called flower flies or syrphid flies.
Hoverflies are a family of true flies in the insect family Syrphidae, also called flower flies or syrphid flies. Adults are often seen hovering around flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae have varied diets that include decaying organic matter or other insects such as aphids. Many species are important pollinators and biological control agents, and many harmlessly mimic bees or wasps.
Taxonomy and naming
Hoverflies belong to the family Syrphidae. They are also known as flower flies or syrphid flies, and the group includes about 6,000 described species in roughly 200 genera.
Appearance and behaviour
Adult hoverflies often hover at flowers and may resemble bees or wasps in colour and shape. Their hovering flight and mimicry help explain several of their common names and may provide protection from predators. Unlike bees or wasps, hoverflies are harmless and do not sting.
Life cycle and diet
Adult hoverflies generally consume nectar and pollen, and some also use honeydew. Larvae have diverse feeding habits. Depending on the species, larvae may be saprotrophs, predators of aphids and other pests, or consumers of other organic material such as decaying plant or animal matter in soil or aquatic habitats.
Ecological importance
Hoverflies can contribute to pollination as adults and pest control as larvae. Species whose larvae eat aphids are widely recognized as beneficial insects in agriculture and gardens. Hoverflies occur on all continents except Antarctica. In Canada, they are common in gardens, farms, and natural areas, where they can help pollinate plants and suppress aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
Key facts
- Hoverflies are true flies in the family Syrphidae.
- Adults hover at flowers and many mimic bees or wasps but do not sting.
- Larvae often prey on aphids, making them useful for biological pest control.
- Adults feed on nectar and pollen and can be important pollinators.
- Hoverflies are found worldwide except Antarctica.
Hoverflies are common in Canadian gardens, farms, and natural areas, where they can help pollinate plants and suppress aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hoverfly?
Do hoverflies sting?
What do adult hoverflies eat?
What do hoverfly larvae eat?
Why are hoverflies important?
Where are hoverflies found?
References
- Encyclopedia MDPI — https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/34783Supports: Family Syrphidae, common names, worldwide distribution, larval diets, mimicry, and approximate species count.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/hover-flySupports: Taxonomic placement, species count, hovering behaviour, bee/wasp mimicry, and aphid-predatory larvae.
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension — https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hover-flower-or-syrphid-flies-syrphidae/Supports: Common names, adult and larval diets, pest-control role, and use in gardens and mixed plots.
- NC State Extension — https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/biological-control-information-center/beneficial-predators/hover-fly/Supports: Adults feed on nectar, larvae prey on aphids, mimicry, harmlessness, and biological control role.
- Cornell University — https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/hover-fly-biocontrol-fact-sheetSupports: Described as Syrphidae, larval predation on aphids and other pests, and relevance to biological control.
- Australian Museum — https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/hover-flies/Supports: Characteristic hovering flight, body form, flower visitation, and pollination role.