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Hover flies

Hover flies

Lejogaster metallina

A species of Lejogaster

External images For terms see Morphology of Diptera Shiny metallic green. Antennae completely black. Antennomere 3 round. Legs black. The male genitalia are figured by Maibach, A. & Goeldlin de Tiefenau (1994) . The larva is illustrated by Hartley (1961) Wing length 4·75-6·5 mm. See references for determination.

General Info About Hover flies
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Attributes of Hover flies
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen, honeydew, flower sap, plant exudates
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, thrips, mites, scale insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
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
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Distribution Area of Hover flies
Palearctic Fennoscandia and the Faroes South to Iberia and the Mediterranean basin. Ireland eastwards through Europe to the Russian Far East and Siberia to the Pacific.
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Life Cycle of Hover flies
Egg The embryonic stage begins as eggs that the female hover flies deposits in suitable environments. These eggs are often oval and tiny with protective coloration.
Larva After hatching, the larva of hover flies exhibits a worm-like appearance, lacking definitive legs or wings. Its primary function is to consume food and grow, molting several times.
Pupal The larva of hover flies then encases itself into a pupa, undergoing a significant transformation. Within the pupal case, tissues are reorganized, preparing for 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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Predators of Hover flies Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, spiders, insectivorous beetles, ants
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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, Forest and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Hover flies
Forest and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Hover flies
Since adult hover flies often feed on nectar and pollen, sweet substances or imitation flower traps can serve as bait. For larvae, which might feed on aphids, providing an infested plant could act as an attractant.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hover flies
Warm and sunny weather conditions are generally optimal to find adult hover flies, as these are conducive to their flight and feeding activities. Overcast but calm conditions may also be suitable, as hover flies might be less active but still present on vegetation.
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How and Where Can You Find Hover flies at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of hover flies may be laid on leaves or stems near aphid colonies. Locate them by inspecting the undersides of leaves or near the bases of buds on plants known to harbor aphids.
Larva Hover flies larvae could be predators of soft-bodied insects. To find them, look on leaves or stems where aphids are abundant. The larvae are usually found alone and can be picked up gently with a soft paintbrush or tweezers.
Pupal Pupae of hover flies might be attached to plants or other structures near aphid populations. They can be identified by their characteristic shape and sometimes the cocoon-like structure that envelops them.
Adult Adult hover flies are mimics of wasps or bees and can be found on flowers feeding on nectar. They are most active in sunny spots with abundant flowering plants. A net can be used to catch them gently for a closer look.
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, attracted by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While feeding on nectar and pollen, hover flies inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in their cross-pollination. This incidental contact ensures the reproduction of many plant species.
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Aphids
Hover flies larvae are efficient predators, primarily feasting on aphids, which they hunt to sustain their growth. With voracious appetites, these larvae play a crucial biological control role in managing aphid populations, making them allies to gardeners and farmers alike.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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