Diptera: Syrphidae
Identification
• Most hover fies are 3/8 - 4/4 inch long, yellow and black, with short
antennae and large eyes. Although they resemble bees and wasps, they have
only 2 wings.
• The larvae look sluglike and are tapered toward the head.
Host Range
• The larvae are voracious predators, feeding on aphids, thrips, and
small caterpillars.
• Adults are not predatory, but feed on nectar and pollen. They can
be attracted to the garden by certain flowers.
Life Cycle
• Hover flies have complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid near aphid
infestations and hatch in 2-3 days. The larvae develop in 2-3 weeks and
pupate in soil. Hover flies can have up to 6-7 generations per year.
Other information
• A larva can consume up to 400 aphids during its lifetime.