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Ladder-backed hover fly

Ladder-backed hover fly

Melanostoma scalare

A species of Melanostoma, Also known as Matte schwarzkopfschwebfliege

M. scalare can reach a length of 7–10 mm (0.28–0.39 in). These hoverflies have a shining black thorax. The males are longer and slimmer than the females. Also, the male's abdomen is much thinner than that of the female. Further, the yellow markings of the male are roundish or diamond-shaped, while those of the female are triangular patches.

General Info About Ladder-backed hover fly
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Attributes of Ladder-backed hover fly
Habitat
This species is present in most of Europe, in the Near East, in North Africa and in the eastern parts of the Afrotropical ecozone south to Zimbabwe and throughout the Indomalayan realm to New Guinea.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, thrips, small caterpillars
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Ladder-backed hover fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Ladder-backed hover fly 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 Ladder-backed hover fly 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 Ladder-backed hover fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
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Distribution Area of Ladder-backed hover fly
This species is present in most of Europe, the Near East, North Africa, and the eastern parts of the Afrotropical realm south to Zimbabwe and throughout the Indomalayan realm to New Guinea.
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Life Cycle of Ladder-backed hover fly
Egg The egg of ladder-backed hover fly is small and typically oval-shaped, often laid in clusters on host plants. These eggs serve as the beginning phase of the lifecycle, with the embryo developing inside.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of ladder-backed hover fly is legless and maggot-like, primarily focused on feeding and growth. It exhibits dramatic size increases and will molt multiple times.
Pupal The pupa stage represents a time of transformation inside a hard casing for ladder-backed hover fly, during which tissues and organs are reorganized into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult ladder-backed hover fly is defined by fully developed wings and reproductive organs. The body is hardened, and the insect actively engages in feeding and mating.
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Predators of Ladder-backed hover fly Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, beetles, spiders
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Scientific Classification of Ladder-backed hover fly
Tips for Finding Ladder-backed hover fly
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Youth Habitat of Ladder-backed hover fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Rotting and Decaying Matter, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Ladder-backed hover fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Flower-rich Habitats
Are Ladder-backed hover fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Ladder-backed hover fly
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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
Ladder-backed hover fly is a pollinator that is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and enticing smells. It feeds on pollen, and while doing so, inadvertently transfers pollen from one flower to another, aiding in plant reproduction. This species is known for its hovering flight and ability to mimic bees.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Ladder-backed hover fly larvae are known for preying voraciously on aphids, providing natural pest control in agricultural and garden settings. The larvae use their strong mandibles to capture and consume their prey, often hiding among plants to ambush unsuspecting aphids. This efficient feeding behavior not only sustains the larvae but also benefits plant health by reducing aphid populations.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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