Hoverflies, also called flower flies or syrphids, 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.

Sep 3, 2023 · In addition to being beneficial predators, hoverflies also contribute to pollination as they visit flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. While enjoying these food sources, hoverflies inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers, assisting with their fertilization and the overall health of plant populations.

What do Hoverfly eat? Hoverflies primarily feed on nectar and pollen. As larvae, they often consume aphids and other small pests, providing natural pest control.

Jan 13, 2023 · Some species of hoverfly larvae are aquatic in nature. They live and hunt in stagnant waters. The ones that eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects stay in forests, home gardens, and other well-flowering spots. They are also attracted to saline sweat-water on humans and are often licking it.

Common Name: Hover Fly General Category: Beneficial Predator Taxonomic Classification: Diptera: Syrphidae Scientific Name: Many species Description Adults (flies) feed on nectar in flowers, while the larvae (maggots) are voracious predators of aphids.

Diet. Feeding mainly on pollen and nectar as adults, hoverfly larvae have a wider variety to their diet. Some species of hoverfly have larvae that are saprotrophs, meaning they eat decaying animal and plant matter in ponds, streams, and soil. Other species have larvae that eat insects such as thrips and aphids.

Jan 28, 2025 · As if the benefits of having them pollinate weren't enough to encourage them to thrive, they also eat aphids and other plant pests in their larval life stage. This diet helps curb aphid infestations that harm plants and diminish harvests, meaning Hover Flies are good to have around.©InsectIdentification.org.

Eupeodes americanus, the American hoverfly, is found throughout North America and inhabits meadows, and fields with flowers and foliage. Adults feed on nectar, whereas their larvae feed on aphids. The adult fly is black to metallic green, and has three yellow bands on its abdomen.

Apr 20, 2023 · Larval Diet. The diets of hoverfly larvae are extremely varied. Many known hoverfly species spend their larval stage as predators of aphids and other pest insects. Other species are important decomposers, eating decaying organic matter, which helps to …

Adult hoverflies feed on flower nectar and help pollinate some crops, but it is the larvae that are important predators in the garden. The tiny, nearly invisible slug-like larvae scour the undersides of plant leaves for aphids, and eat them as their primary food source. They can be seen with a 10x magnifying glass.