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Hover flies

Hover flies

Ferdinandea cuprea

A species of Ferdinandea

Wing length 7·25-11·25 mm.Thorax dorsum black with grey dust, with longitudinal black stripes strong black. Abdomen greenish with dull bands connecting to hind margin. Dark marks on the wings. Arista black.

General Info About Hover flies
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Attributes of Hover flies
Colors
Brown
Habitat
woodland; pasture; farmland; hedgerow
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen, honeydew, flower sap, juices from damaged fruit
Larva Food Source
Aphids, scale insects, thrips, mite larvae, small caterpillars
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.
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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Life Cycle of Hover flies
Egg The egg stage is characterized by small, typically oval or round structures laid by the female hover flies. Eggs are often laid on or near food sources and are usually cream or white, lacking distinct features other than size and shape.
Larva After hatching, the larval hover flies appears worm-like, lacking true legs and wings. Each instar grows markedly in size and may change color, continuously molting its exoskeleton for further growth. This stage is mainly focused on feeding and growth.
Pupal In the pupal stage, the hover flies is encased in a puparium and undergoes significant transformation. This immobile stage sees the reorganization of tissues and the development of adult features, as color and form shift in preparation for emergence.
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 and potentially adopting new feeding habits.
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Adult Size of Hover flies
8 - 13 mm
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Predators of Hover flies Larvae
Ants, wasps, beetles, birds
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Predators of Adult Hover flies
Birds, dragonflies, rodents, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Hover flies
Hover flies can expertly mimic the buzzing sound of a bee, which deters many potential predators.
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Scientific Classification of Hover flies
Tips for Finding Hover flies
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How Can You Attract Hover flies
To attract hover flies, one can use a sweet solution like sugar water or plant nectars that mimic the kinds of flowers they are attracted to.
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Habitat Preferences of Hover flies Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of hover flies are typically found within rotting wood or in damp, decaying organic matter where they feed on microorganisms and other detritus. Adults are commonly seen hovering around flowers in sunny, sheltered areas, often in gardens, meadows, or parks, where they feed on nectar and pollen. To locate the larvae, one would search in decaying logs or compost heaps, carefully examining the moist, decomposed material. For the adults, a search would entail visiting areas with abundant flowering plants, especially during warm, sunny weather when these insects are most active and likely to be feeding or mating on or near the blooms.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Hover flies
The suitable time to find hover flies is generally during the warmer months of the year, as they are more active during spring and summer seasons when flowers are in bloom.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hover flies
Sunny and mild weather conditions are most suitable for finding hover flies as they are often out foraging on warm, sunny days.
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How and Where Can You Find Hover flies at Different Life Stages
Larva Hover flies larvae are usually found in decaying wood, compost heaps, or in association with ant colonies depending on the species. To find them, search through compost or under decaying bark in wooded areas.
Pupal Hover flies pupae are immobile and can be found attached to structures or hidden within vegetation close to where they were feeding as larvae. Look for pupae by examining leaf litter and under loose bark.
Adult Adult hover flies are often seen hovering around flowers or sunny patches in gardens and meadows. You can find them by planting native flowering plants that are attractive to pollinators and watching for their hovering flight pattern around these flowers.
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
Hover flies is a beneficial pollinator that visits various flowers, primarily attracted by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While feeding on pollen, hover flies inadvertently collects pollen on its body and transfers it to other flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. This inadvertent pollen transfer is crucial for the ecosystem.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Diets
Aphids
Hover flies performs a vital role in controlling aphid populations. During its larval stage, it aggressively feeds on these soft-bodied pests. What's fascinating is that a single larva can devour hundreds of aphids before it pupates. This insatiable appetite for pests makes hover flies immensely beneficial for the ecological balance and for agriculture as a natural pest control agent.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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