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Hover flies

Hover flies

Neoascia meticulosa

A species of Neoascia

External images For terms see Morphology of Diptera Wing length 4.5–5 mm. Mouth edge protruding no more than a distance equal to 1/2 the horizontal diameter of an eye. Tibiae 1 and tibiae 2 yellow. Male abdomen black with yellow spots. Female abdomen broad and usually entirely black. Barkemeyer & Claussen (1986) figure the male genitalia. The larva is figured by Hartley (1961)) See references for determination. The male genitalia are illustrated by Barkemeyer and Claussen (1986)

General Info About Hover flies
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Attributes of Hover flies
Habitat
Habitat: Wetlands, fens, ponds and stream margins. Flowers visited include white umbellifers, Anemone nemorosa, Caltha, Cardamine, Ficaria verna, Galium, Prunus avium, Ranunculus, Salix, Sorbus aucuparia, Taraxacum. The flight period is end April to June. The larva is aquatic and has found beneath the outer leaves of rotting Typha stems.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen grains, honeydew secretions, sugary secretions from fruits, aphid honeydew
Larva Food Source
Decaying organic matter, decomposing vegetation, liquid associated with decomposed organic substances
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
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Distribution Area of Hover flies
Palearctic Fennoscandia South to North Spain, the Alps, Italy and Yugoslavia. Ireland East through North Europe and Central Europe into European Russia and the Caucasus. East through Siberia to Lake Baikal.
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Life Cycle of Hover flies
Egg The first stage in the life cycle, the egg is typically laid in a secure and suitable environment. The egg of hover flies is small and inconspicuous, designed to blend into its surroundings to avoid predation.
Larva Once hatched, the larva of hover flies appears worm-like with distinct segments and a simple body plan. It lacks the wings and compound eyes of the adult. Its primary function is to feed and grow, often undergoing several molts as it increases in size.
Pupal During this transformative phase, hover flies encapsulates itself within a protective casing. The creature undergoes significant physiological changes, reorganizing into its adult form. This stage remains motionless and is usually not feeding.
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, predatory beetles, spiders
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Predators of Adult Hover flies
Birds, spiders, praying mantises
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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
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Adult Habitat of Hover flies
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Hover flies
Appropriate lures for trapping adults may include planting flowers or using artificial nectar sources to attract hover flies, given their role as pollinators.
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Habitat Preferences of Hover flies Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of hover flies are typically found on the undersides of leaves or hidden among plant tissues, where they can have some protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions. As the larvae of hover flies emerge, they tend to reside in moist organic matter like decomposing wood or compost, where they feed on microorganisms and decaying plant material. Seeking out these larvae requires sifting through such substrates. Pupae often remain in the same habitats as the larvae, camouflaged while undergoing transformation. Adult hover flies are typically found hovering around flowers, especially in gardens, meadows, and near forest edges, where they feed on nectar and pollen. To encounter adults, one would have to search these areas during warmer days, when flowers are in bloom and insects are most active.
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How and Where Can You Find Hover flies at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of hover flies can be found within rotting wood, compost, or in the soil where they feed on decaying organic matter. Search through these materials gently to locate the larvae without harming them.
Pupal Hover flies pupae are often located in the same environments as their larval stage, hidden within the decaying matter or under loose bark. Look for pupal cases that may be attached to plants or other surfaces in sheltered spots.
Adult Adult hover flies are hoverflies that can be found hovering near or visiting a variety of flowers for nectar and pollen. Finding hover flies involves searching flowering plants during sunny days, particularly those with abundant floral resources.
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
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Hover flies is a beneficial pollinator that visits various flowers, 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 pollination is crucial for many ecosystems.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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