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Marmalade hoverfly

Marmalade hoverfly

Episyrphus balteatus

A species of Episyrphus, Also known as Marmalade fly

Marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) is a hoverfly species that tends to congregate in groups. This sometimes alarms people who mistake them for wasps, although marmalade hoverfly does not sting and is harmless to humans and animals. It feeds on nectar and pollen grains, possesses the rare ability to crush the latter.

General Info About Marmalade hoverfly
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Attributes of Marmalade hoverfly
Colors
Black
Orange
Habitat
urban garden
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowering plants, pollen from flowering plants, honeydew, sap on tree bark, fruit juices
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, thrips, mites, scale insects
Non-poisonous
The Marmalade hoverfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Marmalade hoverfly 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
The Marmalade hoverfly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Appearance of Marmalade hoverfly
Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9 - 12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia, and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to other animals, such as birds, protecting it from predation.
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How to Identify Marmalade hoverfly?

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Life Cycle of Marmalade hoverfly
Egg The egg is minuscule and oval-shaped. Laid on plant surfaces, marmalade hoverfly's eggs are initially light-colored, turning darker as the embryo develops.
Larva Marmalade hoverfly's larva undergoes several instars, growing in size but not in complexity. It's legless, elongated, and generally a dull color, consuming large amounts of aphids.
Pupal The pupa of marmalade hoverfly is immobile and encapsulated. Undergoing dramatic transformation, the color varies with environmental tones to help camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult marmalade hoverfly’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 Marmalade hoverfly
9 - 12 mm
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Predators of Marmalade hoverfly Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Marmalade hoverfly
Birds, rodents, lizards, spiders, insectivorous insects
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Interesting Facts About Marmalade hoverfly
The larvae of marmalade hoverfly voraciously consume aphids, acting as natural pest control agents in gardens and farms.
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Scientific Classification of Marmalade hoverfly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Marmalade hoverfly
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Youth Habitat of Marmalade hoverfly
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Parks
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Adult Habitat of Marmalade hoverfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Gardens and Parks
Are Marmalade hoverfly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Marmalade hoverfly
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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
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Marmalade hoverfly is a vital pollinator that frequents flowers of Asteraceae and fruit trees. Attracted by the vibrant colors and enticing scents, it consumes pollen and nectar. While feeding, pollen sticks to its body, facilitating the transfer to other flowers, thus aiding in plant reproduction.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Marmalade hoverfly, commonly preys on aphids, a favorite in its diet. As a larva, it is particularly voracious, scouring the leaves for these sap-sucking pests. This natural predator helps maintain a balance in the ecosystem, reducing the aphid populations effectively. Feeding on pests is essential for its development during the larval stage, highlighting the insect's role in pest control.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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