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Hover flies

Hover flies

Didea fasciata

A species of Didea

External images For terms see Morphology of Diptera Wing length 8·25– 11 mm. Halteres with yellow knob. Face yellow, at most the tip of the central knob dark. The male genitalia are figured by Vockeroth (1969). The Larva is described and figured by Heiss (1938) .

General Info About Hover flies
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Attributes of Hover flies
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Yellow
Habitat
Deciduous; coniferous forest; trackside; clearing; umbellifers
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honeydew, plant exudates, and some parts of plants
Larva Food Source
Aphids, scale insects, thrips, mites, caterpillars
Non-poisonous
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
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Hover flies
Palaearctic and Nearctic. Fennoscandia South to Spain; Italy and Greece. Ireland eastwards through Russia and the Russian Far East to the Pacific coast. North America from British Columbia South to New Mexico and East to New York. Oriental region to North India and Formosa
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Life Cycle of Hover flies
Egg The egg stage begins the life cycle of hover flies, with the eggs usually deposited in concealed locations near food sources. These eggs are tiny, oval, and often pale in color, going unnoticed to the untrained eye.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae of hover flies often bear no resemblance to adults. They are worm-like, legless, and usually darker in color, voraciously feeding on available nutrients to grow quickly through several molts.
Pupal After reaching the final larval stage, the hover flies enters the pupal stage. Within a pupa, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, metamorphosing into a completely new form. This stage is marked by immobility and significant internal changes.
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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Interesting Facts About Hover flies
Despite being flies, adult hover flies mimic bees not only in appearance but also in their buzzing sound, a behavior known as Batesian mimicry to deter predators.
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Scientific Classification of Hover flies
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Flies
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Genus
Didea
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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, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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When is the Best Time to Observe Hover flies
The best time to find adult hover flies is during daytime when flowers are blooming, as they are active pollinators. For their larvae, searching after rain or with increased humidity might be more fruitful.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hover flies
Warm and sunny weather is ideal for finding adult hover flies, as they are more active in these conditions. Overcast weather might reduce adult activity but could be a good time to find larvae as they may be less hidden.
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How and Where Can You Find Hover flies at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of hover flies are usually laid on plants close to aphid colonies. Inspect the undersides of leaves or stem crevices on plants that are known to have aphid issues.
Larva Hover flies larvae are known to feed on aphids. To find them, check plants that are infested with aphids, paying close attention to the leaves and stems where the larvae might be actively hunting.
Pupal Pupae of hover flies are often attached to plants or nearby structures. Search for them in sheltered areas on or near host plants where larvae were present.
Adult Adult hover flies are commonly found visiting flowers for nectar. To find them, visit gardens, meadows, or any area with an abundance of flowering plants during the daytime, especially when the sun is out.
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
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Hover flies is a beneficial pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and enticing scents. It feeds on pollen, inadvertently collecting and transferring it from bloom to bloom, aiding in plant reproduction. This species plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to maintain plant diversity and productivity.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Hover flies employs a highly specialized larval stage to hunt pests primarily for self-feeding. It is known for voraciously consuming aphids. The larvae use their sticky surfaces to trap the aphids before feasting on them, which efficiently curtails aphid populations and aids in biological control.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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