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Hover fly

Eupeodes luniger

Photo by Smith Zoo
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

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.

Notes:

Many species of hoverfly larvae prey upon pest insects, including aphids and the leafhoppers which spread some diseases like curly top. Therefore they are seen in biocontrol as a natural means of reducing the levels of pests.

Species ID Suggestions

Hover fly

Eupeodes luniger

Comments (1)

Thank you for ID Johan. I am disappointed that they came out blurry. I wanted to take more but alas it flew off. This one was more blue purple than the rest, and I have not seen it again. As soon as I do, I intend to replace these photo's with better ones!
Photographed
PublishedSeptember 21, 2012

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