
Community identification
Hoverfly
Syrphidae (family)
- Order & Family
- Order Diptera, Family Syrphidae
- Size
- 4 mm to 25 mm depending on the species
Natural Habitat
Gardens, meadows, and areas with flowering plants where they can feed on nectar and pollen
Diet & Feeding
Adults primarily feed on nectar and pollen; many larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied insects
Behavior Patterns
Known for their ability to hover motionless in mid-air before darting away; many species mimic bees or wasps as a defense mechanism
Risks & Benefits
Generally beneficial as important pollinators and natural pest controllers; they are harmless to humans as they do not sting