Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Common banded hoverfly

Common banded hoverfly

Syrphus ribesii

A species of Syrphus, Also known as Summer fly

Frons is posterior to the lunulae, shiny black. Sternites have lateral and median black marks. Male femora 3 is black for basal 2/3. Femora 3 is yellow. Lateral margins of tergites are black except at the ends of the yellow bands.

General Info About Common banded hoverfly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Common banded hoverfly
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
garden; hedgerow; waste ground
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen, honeydew, some sugar-rich secretions from plants, sap from trees
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, larvae of other insects, mites, thrips
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common banded hoverfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Common banded 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 Common banded 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 Common banded hoverfly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Common banded hoverfly
It is a very common Holarctic species of hoverfly.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Common banded hoverfly
United States, Canada
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Common banded hoverfly
Egg The eggs of common banded hoverfly are typically small, elongated, and laid on vegetation. They are relatively immobile and possess a protective coating that shields the developing embryo.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae of common banded hoverfly appear worm-like, lacking wings and distinct legs. They continuously feed and grow, undergoing several molts to increase in size.
Pupal After larval growth, common banded hoverfly enters the pupal stage, encapsulated within a hard puparium. The creature is immobile and undergoes significant internal restructuring for adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common banded 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.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Common banded hoverfly
8 - 13 mm
Rectangle
Predators of Common banded hoverfly Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, jumping spiders, mantises
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Common banded hoverfly
Birds, dragonflies, robber flies, spiders
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Common banded hoverfly
Common banded hoverfly can hover in one spot with remarkable precision, thanks to extraordinarily fast wing beats reaching up to hundreds of times per second.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Common banded hoverfly
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Flies
Icon allow
Genus
Syrphus
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Common banded hoverfly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Common banded hoverfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Common banded hoverfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Parks
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Common banded hoverfly
Since common banded hoverfly often feeds on nectar and pollen, sweet substances such as sugar or honey solutions can be used as trap food.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Common banded hoverfly Through Different Life Stages
In its larval stage, common banded hoverfly is typically found on the undersides of leaves or amidst aphid colonies, feeding on them, mostly in gardens or agricultural areas with sufficient aphid populations. The adult common banded hoverfly, with its characteristic hoverfly appearance, frequents flowering plants in search of nectar and pollen, often spotted in gardens, meadows, and fields with diverse floral resources. To find the larvae, one must meticulously inspect the foliage of infested plants, while adults can be observed hovering or resting on flowers during sunny days.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Common banded hoverfly
The most suitable time to find adult common banded hoverfly is during the day, particularly mid-to-late morning when temperatures are warmer and they are most active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Common banded hoverfly
Warm and dry days are the most suitable weather conditions for finding common banded hoverfly, as they are more likely to be out pollinating flowers.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Common banded hoverfly at Different Life Stages
Larva Common banded hoverfly larvae are predatory on aphids. Look for them on the underside of leaves in gardens or fields where there is an aphid presence.
Pupal Common banded hoverfly pupae are typically attached to foliage or other surfaces near their feeding sites. Search for them on leaves, stems, or even walls near aphid populations.
Adult Adult common banded hoverfly can be found in gardens, meadows, and near wooded areas. They are often seen hovering around flowers, so flowering plants are an excellent place to search for them.
Are Common banded hoverfly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Common banded hoverfly
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Common banded hoverfly is a beneficial pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers of Asteraceae and fruit trees. Attracted by the vibrant colors and sweet scents, it feeds on pollen and nectar. While feeding, pollen sticks to its body and is inadvertently transferred to other flowers, aiding in cross-pollination.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Aphids
The common banded hoverfly is a voracious feeder of aphids during its larval stage, which enables it to grow and develop into an adult. This insect lays its eggs near aphid colonies, and once hatched, the larvae immediately begin to consume the available prey. Their feeding activity not only sustains them but also provides natural pest control in gardens and crop fields.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Common banded hoverfly
Mexican cactus fly
Mexican cactus fly

Adorned with bands of yellow and black across its abdomen and a metallic sheen, mexican cactus fly is a skilled pollinator, flitting among flowers with a discerning taste for nectar. In their larval stage, these creatures exhibit a remarkable appetite for aphids, contributing to the natural balance of garden ecosystems. In their adulthood, they mimic their stinging hymenopteran counterparts, a clever ruse that protects them from many predators.

Read More
Arrow
Syrphid fly
Syrphid fly

Copestylum tamaulipanum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Yellow-spotted bromeliad fly
Yellow-spotted bromeliad fly

Copestylum avidum, the yellow-spotted bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Purple Bromeliad Fly
Purple Bromeliad Fly

Copestylum violaceum, the purple bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Wavy mucksucker
Wavy mucksucker

Characterized by a remarkable ability to hover in mid-air, wavy mucksucker exhibits a striking, mimicry-based resemblance to stinging Hymenoptera, though it is entirely harmless to humans. This aerodynamic prowess is coupled with larval stages that occur in damp habitats, often within decaying material, where they contribute to decomposition. As adults, they primarily feed on nectar and pollen, playing a significant role in the pollination of various flora.

Read More
Arrow
Simosyrphus grandicornis
Simosyrphus grandicornis

This spice has been introduced to several Polynesian islands, and Hawaii.

Read More
Arrow
Spotted wood fly
Spotted wood fly

Somula decora is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Eastern catkin fly
Eastern catkin fly

Brachypalpus oarus is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow