The flower flies or hoverflies are a family of flies (Diptera), scientifically termed Syrphidae.
As one of their names suggests, they are most often seen around flowers; the adults feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprophytes, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects. Aphids alone cause tens of millions of dollars of damage to crops worldwide every year, and so aphid-feeding hoverflies are being recognised as important natural enemies of pests, and potential agents for use in biological control.
Eristalis pertinax (a hover-fly)
a flower fly
Some syrphids mimic bees or wasps in appearance, in some cases bearing an alarming resemblance, both in shape and coloration. It is thought that this mimicry protects hoverflies against falling prey to birds and other insectivores which avoid eating true wasps because of their sting. Adult syrphid flies are important pollinators.
About 6,000 species in 200 genera have been described. One species, Eristalis gatesi, is named after Bill Gates[1] (http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/diptera/syrphid/gates.htm).
The flower flies or hoverflies are a family of flies (Diptera), scientifically termed Syrphidae.
As one of their names suggests, they are most often seen around flowers; the adults feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods.
Syrphidaespecies in Europe, with photo's, range maps and literature (http://www.syrphidae.com)
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