View allAll Photos Tagged hoverfly
Hoverflies, sometimes 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 (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.
Aphids alone cause tens of millions of dollars of damage to crops worldwide every year; because of this, aphid-eating hoverflies are being recognized as important natural enemies of pests, and potential agents for use in biological control. Some adult syrphid flies are important pollinators.
About 6,000 species in 200 genera have been described. Hoverflies are common throughout the world and can be found on all continents except Antarctica. Hoverflies are harmless to most other animals, despite their mimicry of more dangerous wasps and bees, which wards off predators.Hoverflies, sometimes 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 (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.
Aphids alone cause tens of millions of dollars of damage to crops worldwide every year; because of this, aphid-eating hoverflies are being recognized as important natural enemies of pests, and potential agents for use in biological control. Some adult syrphid flies are important pollinators.
About 6,000 species in 200 genera have been described. Hoverflies are common throughout the world and can be found on all continents except Antarctica. Hoverflies are harmless to most other animals, despite their mimicry of more dangerous wasps and bees, which wards off predators.
Hoverfly resting on a hart's tongue fern in the garden showing off its 'Batman' marking on the rear of the thorax.
A hoverfly lands on a catchfly (silene) flower. The fly looks like a wasp but this is Batesian mimicry. They are harmless and don't bite or sting humans.
Hoverfly in a poppy.
Nikon d5100 with reversed Helios M44-4 m42 58mm and extension tubes
ISO-200, 1/125sec, F/8
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A hoverfly feeding on Calanus heather flowers in the garden. This isn't the best view for identification purposes, but other shots of the same fly clearly show the thorax with its distinctive 'Batman' marking.
A hoverfly waiting for a partner ;-)
I was minding my own business trying to take some macro shots of flowers in my backyard when this fly turned up from nowhere to demanded all my attention. All handheld shots with natural light and I was very happy with the results ;-)
I learnt (after some internet research) that this tiny fly (not a yellow jacket but benefits from the likeness) is a gardener's friend .. from being a super pollinator and helping control aphid and other pest population
Although it's been a mixed bag of weather so far this Spring the Lilac has been exceptionally good this year, very fragrant and much visited by nature. Here a Hoverfly relaxes briefly in the sun possibly enjoying the moment :-)
Taken in West Wales using a Panasonic DMC FZ200
f/4.0
1/125
108.0 mm
ISO 125
Dedicated to CH (ILYWAMHASAM)