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Long hoverfly

Long hoverfly

Sphaerophoria scripta

A species of Sphaerophoria

The long hoverfly is a common insect that can often be spotted in gardens, hedgerows and meadows. The larval stage of the insect is of particular help to the gardener since they feed on aphids, some of which may be a threat to garden species, and therefore serve as a natural pest control. They are also very important pollinators of flowering plants.

General Info About Long hoverfly
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Attributes of Long hoverfly
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
thicket; garden; meadow
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honeydew, floral secretions, sugar-rich plant juices
Larva Food Source
Aphids, scale insects, thrips, caterpillars, small beetles
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Long hoverfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Long 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
The Long hoverfly 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 Long 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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Species Status of Long hoverfly
It has a worldwide distribution. It can be found in most of Europe, in the East Palearctic ecozone, in the Near East, in the Nearctic ecozone, in North Africa and in the Oriental ecozone.
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Distribution Area of Long hoverfly
United States, Canada
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Life Cycle of Long hoverfly
Egg The egg stage of long hoverfly is characterized by a small, oval form, often deposited in clusters. These eggs are initially pale but may darken with age, indicating development within.
Larva After hatching, long hoverfly’s larval stage presents a legless, elongated body, often resembling a maggot. During this period, the larva consumes food voraciously, shedding its skin several times while increasing in size.
Pupal The pupal stage of long hoverfly features a transformation inside a hardened case. The shape is distinct from the larval form, often more rounded or cylindrical. Color may vary from light to dark. The creature is inactive externally, but intense development occurs inside.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult long 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 Long hoverfly
7 - 12 mm
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Predators of Long hoverfly Larvae
Frogs and toads, birds, jumping spiders, mantises, geckos, hoverfly larvae, dragonflies
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Predators of Adult Long hoverfly
Birds, jumping spiders, mantises, geckos, dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Long hoverfly
Long hoverfly's larvae are formidable aphid predators, often overlooked in their contribution to controlling garden pest populations.
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Scientific Classification of Long hoverfly
Tips for Finding Long hoverfly
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Youth Habitat of Long hoverfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Long hoverfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Flower-rich Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Long hoverfly Through Different Life Stages
The larval stage of long hoverfly is commonly found in damp environments, such as gardens or fields, preying on aphids on plants. To locate the larvae, one would search among foliage where aphid populations are high. The adult long hoverfly, a pollinator, often frequents flowering plants in various habitats including meadows, gardens, and urban areas for nectar and pollen. Searching for adults involves visiting blooming flowers during sunny weather. The eggs of long hoverfly are usually laid near aphid colonies, hence investigating the undersides of leaves in aphid-infested regions would increase the chances of locating them.
Are Long hoverfly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Long 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
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Long hoverfly is a beneficial pollinator that visits various flowers, primarily attracted by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While feeding on pollen, long hoverfly 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
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Aphids
Long hoverfly larvae are voracious predators, primarily feeding on aphids. Their hunting is essential for their growth and development. The larvae use their strong mandibles to seize and consume their prey, providing an ecological balance by naturally controlling aphid populations.
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