Hoverflies

Hoverfly, Syrphidae

Hoverflies are true flies, Diptera, belonging to the family Syrphidae, and with another common name of flower flies. While many have similar coloration to bees and wasps, they have only a single pair of wings which cannot fold similar to a bee when still. There are 813 known species within North America, and near 6,000 species known worldwide. Overall, hoverflies mainly feed on the nectar and pollen of various plants as adults, but act as predators while dull green, legless larvae. They play an extremely important role as aphid predators while larvae, rivaled only by ladybird beetles and lacewings. It is reported they may control between 70-100% of an aphid population when there are plentiful hoverfly larvae. In addition, hoverflies are also known to be important pollinators. They are mainly active during spring and summer, but in the warmer states can be found all year.