Syrphid Fly Larva (Flower Fly Larva or Hoverfly Larva)

Found worldwide in diverse habitats including gardens, forests, agricultural fields, and near aphid-infested plants.

Many species are aphidophagous, meaning they feed voraciously on aphids and other soft-bodied insect pests (like thrips and small caterpillars).

Larvae move slowly and blindly along plant stems and leaves searching for prey. They often lift their pointed anterior end to grasp aphids. As adults (Hoverflies), they are vigorous pollinators.

Generally very beneficial to ecosystems and gardens. The larvae are excellent biological control agents for aphids, and adults are pollinators. However, one specific genus (Eristalis or 'Rat-tailed maggots') can inhabit stagnant water and may be considered a nuisance or indicate poor sanitation in that context. The land-dwelling larvae are harmless to humans.