Syrphid Fly—A Beneficial Insect That
Preys and Pollinates
The syrphid fly, a member of the Syrphidae family, is also known as the flower fly, and the hover fly.DescriptionThis large group of flies range in size from 1/4 to 3/4 inch (6-18 cm) long. Adult syrphid flies are black or brown with yellow banded abdomens and body markings, resembling bees and wasps. Some are hairy and have a long, thin abdomen. Their antennae are short. The larvae of most species are legless and vary in color from creamy-white to green or brown. Life CycleSeven generations of hover flies may occur annually. The female lays a single egg on a leaf near aphid infestations or another insect food source. The larva hatches in about 3 days and develops through several steps over a period of 2 to 3 weeks before pupating, either on the host plant or in the soil. It takes 1 to 2 weeks for the adult to emerge. The late season pupal stage survives through the winter and an adult emerges in early spring. Syrphid Fly BenefitsFlower flies are by far the most important family of predatory flies. That puts them in the category of beneficial insect. The larvae are aphid predators and important predators of the cranberry tipworm, which is the larva of a small midge that attacks the cranberry plant. They also prey on mealybugs and scale insects. Adults feed on the nectar and pollen from flowers, making them excellent pollinators. From Syrphid Fly to Beneficial Insects R-Z
|
