How do I know if I have syrphid flies?
Identification between syrphid flyspecies can be tricky as they are highly variable in appearance. Generally, Sphaerophoria spp. has one pair of iridescent wings, big eyes, a short tongue, and black and yellow stripes. Sphaerophoria philanthus has a long thin abdomen that curves slightly under at the end.
What insect does a syrphid fly look like?
The adult superficially resembles a bee or wasp but has a more flattened body and, like other flies, only one pair of wings. It does not sting. It is usually yellow and black, and in some species the black parts have a greenish metallic sheen. It is 3/8 to 1/2 inch (10 to 12 mm) long.
Does syrphid fly bite?
Good Growing Tip of the Week: Syrphid files have sponge-like mouthparts that they use to feed on nectar, pollen, and if they land on humans, sweat. Despite what many people think, they don’t bite or sting. If you do get stung by a small insect feeding on your sweat, it is most likely a ‘true’ sweat bee.
How do you identify hoverflies?
Many hoverflies have spots, bands or stripes of yellow or brown against a dark-coloured background, sometimes with dense hair covering the body surface (emulating furry bumblebees). Their fast flight, ability to hover and, in some species, their size are astonishing characteristics.
What does a syrphid fly larva look like?
Larvae are roughly the same length as adults and may be yellow, green, white, or brown. Eggs are white, faintly ridged, approximately 1 / 25 inch (1mm) long, and resemble tiny grains of rice. Syrphid fly larva.
What is the difference between syrphid and hoverfly?
Ranging in size from ¼ to ½ inches (0.5 to 1.5 cm.), the adults are the pollinators, while it is the hoverfly larvae that consume the pest insects. Syrphid fly eggs are often found around aphid colonies, an immediate food source for the emerging larvae.
What is the life cycle of a syrphid?
Syrphids have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. After hatching, larvae develop through three, increasingly larger instars. The last instar commonly migrates before pupating and may remain inactive for an extended period (as a prepupa) before pupating into an adult.
How to get rid of syrphid flies?
While adult flies are beneficial in their role as pollinators, it is the larval hoverfly stage that is most beneficial for the relief of pests. But you need to encourage the adults to stick around and produce these offspring. To encourage the presence and subsequent mating of syrphid flies, plant a variety of flowers.