Hover Flies

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Syrphidae: /ˈsɪr.fɪˌdiː/

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Summary

Hoverflies, or Syrphidae, are a family of flies known for their pollination and the predatory habits of their larvae. Characterized by their hovering flight and diverse feeding habits, they are vital for ecosystems, especially in agricultural management and insect control.

Physical Characteristics

Hoverflies can range from 1 to 35 mm in size, typically around 10 to 20 mm. They often exhibit bright coloration with yellow or brown spots, stripes, and bands. They have a single functional pair of wings, with hind wings reduced to balancing organs and a distinct spurious wing vein.

Identification Tips

Hoverflies can be recognized by their spurious wing vein which runs parallel to the fourth longitudinal vein. They lack the long, needle-like proboscis found in some similar families and have a generally glossy body surface. Their legs and mouthparts are not particularly long and thin. They are often mistaken for wasps or bees due to their coloration, exhibiting Batesian mimicry.

Habitat

Hoverflies are found in diverse habitats but are notably often located in areas with flowers, as adults feed mainly on nectar and pollen. Some larvae inhabit stagnant water or decomposing vegetation, while others are found on leaves where they prey on aphids and other plant-sucking insects.

Distribution

Hoverflies are cosmopolitan and can be found on all continents except Antarctica. Approximately 6,000 species exist worldwide, common in most biomes except extreme deserts and tundras.

Diet

Adults mainly feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Larvae may be saprotrophic, consuming decaying organic matter, or insectivorous, preying on pest insects like aphids.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Larvae may exhibit behaviors such as feeding on decaying matter or preying upon other insects. Adults typically are seen hovering near flowers.

Reproduction

Adult hoverflies deposit their eggs near suitable food sources for the larvae. The larvae then develop in the environment suited to their feeding habits (e.g., on aphid-infested plants or in decaying matter).

Predators

Hoverflies, particularly their larvae, may be preyed upon by various insectivorous birds and other insects, though they are generally harmless to most mammals and exhibit mimicry to avoid predation.

Ecosystem Role

Hoverflies play a crucial role as pollinators for many species of flowering plants. Additionally, their larvae are significant predators of agricultural pests, contributing to natural pest control.

Economic Impact

Hoverflies are beneficial in agriculture as their larvae prey on aphids, leafhoppers, and other pest insects, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. They also contribute to pollination, which is crucial for the production of many crops.

Cultural Significance

Hoverflies have been the subject of interest due to their ecologically beneficial roles and mimicry strategies. They are often featured in literature about insects, including works focused on natural history and pollinators.

Health Concerns

Hoverflies are generally harmless; however, very rarely their larvae can cause accidental myiasis in humans through contaminated food.

Collecting Methods

• Netting adult hoverflies from flowers
• Sampling larval habitats such as decaying vegetation or stagnant water

Preservation Methods

• Alcohol preservation
• Dry preservation techniques

Evolution

The oldest known fossils of Syrphidae date back to the Eocene epoch. The genus Prosyrphus is represented in Late Cretaceous amber, indicating a long evolutionary history.

Similar Taxa

• Bombyliidae (Bee flies)
• Drosophilidae (Fruit flies)

Misconceptions

Hoverflies are often confused with bees and wasps due to their mimicry and coloration, but they do not sting and are harmless to humans.

Tags

• Syrphidae
• hoverflies
• pollinators
• agaricultural pest control
• mimicry
• inssects
• ecology