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Hover flies

Hover flies

Epistrophe eligans

A species of The hoverflies

Wing length 6 - 10 mm. Eyes bare. Stigma pale yellow. Tergite 4 with smaller yellow markings than tergite 3 or tergite 4 black.

General Info About Hover flies
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Attributes of Hover flies
Colors
Black
Orange
Habitat
woodland; scrub; suburban garden; park
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small soft-bodied insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Hover flies is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
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 distributed in the Paleozoic.
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Distribution Area of Hover flies
Iberia, Ireland, Central and South Europe, Turkey, European, Russia, Caucasus
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Life Cycle of Hover flies
Egg The round or oval eggs of hover flies are laid singly or in batches, often in or near suitable larval food sources. Their color may blend with the environment to avoid predation.
Larva Larvae of hover flies are legless maggots with a distinct head capsule. They vary from white to a dark color, growing in size with each molt, and focus on feeding and survival.
Pupal In this resting phase, hover flies develops within a puparium formed from the hardened last larval skin. The pupa undergoes significant transformation, rearranging into the adult form.
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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Adult Size of Hover flies
9 - 12 mm
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Predators of Hover flies Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, jumping spiders, mantises
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Predators of Adult Hover flies
Birds, dragons flies, mantises, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Hover flies
Hover flies can hover in one spot like a helicopter, a rare ability among insects, showcasing their impressive aerial agility.
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Scientific Classification of Hover flies
Tips for Finding Hover flies
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Youth Habitat of Hover flies
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Hover flies
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Flower-rich Habitats
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How Can You Attract Hover flies
For hover flies, a sugary solution or flower mimics might be used as a way to attract adults due to their nectar-feeding habits.
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Habitat Preferences of Hover flies Through Different Life Stages
To observe the lifecycle stages of hover flies, different habitats must be explored. Eggs are typically laid on leaves infested with aphids, providing a ready food source upon hatching. The larvae, voracious predators of aphids, can be found in garden vegetation, agricultural fields, or wherever aphid populations thrive. Searching under leaves and on stems is the best strategy to locate them. Adult hover flies, on the other hand, frequent flower-rich habitats. As pollinators, they are attracted to gardens, meadows, and anywhere abundant with nectar-producing flowers. For anyone seeking to find the various stages of hover flies, attention to plant health along with aphid presence can guide the search for eggs and larvae, while flowering plants will be the rendezvous point for the adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Hover flies
The most suitable time to find hover flies is during daylight hours when temperatures are warm enough to facilitate flight and feeding activity, typically in late spring through fall.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hover flies
Warm, sunny, and calm weather conditions are ideal for finding hover flies since they are most active and visible during these times for foraging and mating.
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How and Where Can You Find Hover flies at Different Life Stages
Larva Hover flies larvae are often found on decomposing plant material or within aphid colonies as they are predators to these insects. Look for them on the undersides of leaves or within the curled edges where aphids are present.
Pupal Hover flies pupae may be seen attached to solid surfaces near the larval feeding sites or hidden within leaf litter or under bark. They can be identified by their cocoon-like appearance distinct from other insect pupae.
Adult Hover flies adults are attracted to flowers and can often be found feeding on nectar. Finding them involves searching flowering plants, especially those with flat-topped inflorescences or composite flowers which act as feeding platforms for these insects.
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
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Hover flies is a beneficial pollinator that mimics the appearance of bees. Attracted by the vibrant colors and enticing smells of flowers, it feeds on pollen and nectar. While moving from flower to flower, hover flies inadvertently transfers pollen, aiding in plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Aphids
The larval stage of hover flies is an impressive period when this insect actively preys on garden pests. With a primary diet of aphids, it voraciously feeds to support its growth. These creatures patrol plants, providing a natural form of pest control that serves both their nutritional needs and the health of the ecosystem.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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