Portrait of a hoverfly
Myathropa florea (Linnaeus 1758 - side view) is a quite common hoverfly species in Europe and North Africa. Despite their mimicry of more dangerous wasps and bees, hoverflies (or syrphid flies) are harmless to humans and other animals. Adults feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) of some species prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects. This makes hoverflies not only important pollinators, but also natural enemies of pests, and are often used as agents in biological pest control.
Portrait of a hoverfly
Myathropa florea (Linnaeus 1758 - side view) is a quite common hoverfly species in Europe and North Africa. Despite their mimicry of more dangerous wasps and bees, hoverflies (or syrphid flies) are harmless to humans and other animals. Adults feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) of some species prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects. This makes hoverflies not only important pollinators, but also natural enemies of pests, and are often used as agents in biological pest control.