




Syrphidae
Hover flies are small, friendly insects that look like tiny bees. They love to fly around flowers and help plants by spreading pollen.
Habitat: Urban areas
The Hover Flies has a stout, often furry body with bright yellow and black stripes, making them look a lot like bees or wasps. They possess large, compound eyes and a single pair of clear wings, setting them apart from four-winged insects.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Many hover fly larvae are incredible aphid hunters, eating hundreds in their short lives!
Some hover fly species can even fly backward or upside down with amazing aerial skill!
They are completely harmless to humans; they cannot sting or bite!
Unlike bees or wasps, hover flies only have one pair of wings, not two!
Hover Flies can hover perfectly still, fly backward, and dart rapidly because they have specialized wing muscles that allow incredibly precise flight control.
Hover Flies have larvae that are voracious predators of aphids and other soft-bodied pests, helping gardeners protect their plants naturally.
Hover Flies can mimic the appearance of stinging bees and wasps because their striped patterns and fuzzy bodies trick predators into staying away.
Hover Flies can effectively pollinate many flowers because they visit blooms for nectar and pollen, transferring it between plants.
Adults sip nectar and pollen; larvae feast on plant pests like aphids!
Age differences: Adults feed on nectar and pollen; larvae are typically predatory on aphids or detritivorous.
Daucus carota
Transfers pollen while feeding on flowers.
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Parus major
A common bird predator of adult hover flies.
Aphis gossypii
Larvae prey on these common garden pests.
Argiope aurantia
Often caught in spider webs while flying.
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Hover flies are friendly and safe, but always be gentle around insects.
8-50 mm
4-25 mm
7-30 days
10 km/h
Adults sip nectar and pollen; larvae feast on plant pests like aphids!
Urban areas
Foraging
6
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