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Hover flies

Hover flies

Cheilosia illustrata

A species of Hoverfly

Cheilosia illustrata can reach a length of 9 - 11 mm. These hover flies show a black face, a black scutellum, a band of black hair on the thorax and another on the third tergite. They have a dark area in the middle of the wings and long white hairs at the base of the forelegs and below the scutellum. The antennae are dark. The end of the abdomen is covered with reddish orange hair.

General Info About Hover flies
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Attributes of Hover flies
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
umbellifer-rich habitat (grassland; hedge margin; woodland edge and ride)
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowering plants, dandelion, clover, buttercups, thistles
Larva Food Source
Plant tissues, roots, stems, parsnip, thistle
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Hover flies is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Hover flies feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Hover flies typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Species Status of Hover flies
It is present in most of Europe and in the East Palearctic ecozone. East to Siberia.
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Distribution Area of Hover flies
Most of Europe, the eastern Palearctic realm, Siberia
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Life Cycle of Hover flies
Egg The egg of hover flies is typically oval and minute. At this phase, there's limited visible change, and color may vary depending on the species.
Larva Hover flies undergoes significant growth in the larval stage. Larvae are generally worm-like, lacking wings and compound eyes, and they molt multiple times, growing larger with each molt.
Pupal The pupal stage of hover flies involves metamorphosis enclosed in a pupa. The creature is dormant, but internally, significant changes lead to the adult form. The size, structure, and appearance transform.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult hover flies's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Adult Hover flies
Birds, spiders, mantises, dragonflies, robber flies, lacewings, wasps
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Interesting Facts About Hover flies
Hover flies can perform incredibly precise flight maneuvers, often seen hovering motionless before darting away at astonishing speeds.
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Scientific Classification of Hover flies
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Hover flies
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Youth Habitat of Hover flies
Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Hover flies
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Hover flies
Since hover flies are syrphid flies, adults are likely attracted to nectar and pollen, as many members of the Syrphidae family are pollinators. Nectar-producing flowers can serve as effective trap food.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hover flies
Warm and sunny days with little to no wind are the most suitable weather conditions to find hover flies as they prefer an environment conducive to flight and pollination.
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How and Where Can You Find Hover flies at Different Life Stages
Larva Hover flies larvae are often found in the soil or within decaying plant material. Searching for them involves gently digging and sifting through soil, especially near host plants of the larvae.
Pupal Pupae of hover flies could be hidden in the soil, under loose bark, or within leaf litter. Finding them requires careful inspection of these areas without causing disturbance to the habitat.
Adult Hover flies adults are attracted to flowers, making floral-rich areas prime spots for observation. Look for hover flies feeding on or hovering near flowers, particularly those in full sun.
Are Hover flies harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Hover flies
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Hover flies is a vital pollinator that frequents Asteraceae flowers, drawn by their vivid colors and enticing scents. While feeding on pollen, hover flies inadvertently collects and transfers it between flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. This serendipitous process showcases the symbiotic relationship between hover flies and the flowering plants it visits.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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