British Hoverflies
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There are around 276 species of hoverflies in Britain that can range from the size of a gnat to the size of a bumble bee. A hoverfly can beat it's wings several hundred times per second in which to stay stationary in the air. There is a structure in the middle on the wing called a vena spuria, or false vein, and it is this that enables the horsefly's wings to flex and hence hover, with a up-down wing-beat which is less exhausting than a figure-of-eight acrobatic's similar to what a hummingbird must undergo to stay in the air. Hoverflies are also important pollinators and have also been known as Sweat-Flies, Syrphids and Flower Flies.
Hover flies, also called flower flies or syrphid flies, make up the insect family Syrphidae. As their common name suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae eat a wide range of foods.
The Syrphidae family contains species which are commonly known as Hoverflies, Flower Flies or Syrphid Flies. They are often striped and easily confused with bees, they can be seen hovering over flowers and other garden plants. The adults consume nectar and pollen and the larvae vary in what they eat, some species consume decaying plant or animal matter, others consume insects such as aphids, thrips and other sapsuckers. They can therefore have a positive or negative impact on garden plants.
Hover flies, also called flower flies or syrphid flies, make up the insect family Syrphidae. As their common name suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae eat a wide range of foods
Small miracle of nature
I am so happy to have so many hoverflies in my garden and on my terrace.
If I hadn't read so much about these wonderful little insects, I would have panicked while taking photos today, because I was standing in a swarm and must have had 10 on my hands. ...
Hoverflies have been a bit on the scanty side this year, despite the amount of blossom we have had. However, a trip to my favourite flowerbed at the Pineapple near Airth revealed some old favourites.
This one is Epistrophe grossulariae on a Scabious
This Hoverfly was licking Honey-dew, secreted by aphids, from a leaf at Low Barns Nature Reserve.
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