Hoverfly Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found on garden plants, crops, and trees where aphids or other soft-bodied insects are present.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae of many species are predatory, primarily feeding on aphids, thrips, and other small, soft-bodied plant pests.

Behavior Patterns

These larvae are often slug-like in appearance and crawl along plant surfaces to find prey; they progress through several instars before pupating into adult hoverflies.

Risks & Benefits

Extremely beneficial to the ecosystem and gardens as effective natural pest control (aphid predators) and as future pollinators in their adult stage; they pose no risk to humans.

Identified on: 5/14/2026