Nature Walk: Syrphid Fly

Syrphid flies are tiny insects, but you likely have seen them hovering over flowers and assumed they were small bees. They are also called hover flies or flower flies because of their behavior. Here we see one feeding on, and thus pollinating, the flowers of Wild Quinine. Their larval stage, like other flies, are maggots but beneficial ones as they feed on aphids and other insect pests. Watch for them in your garden.

Have you seen syrphid flies buzzing around this summer? Did you know that they are not small bees?

If you are interested in purchasing a print of this photo or requesting information on possible use of any of our “Nature Walk” photographs, please contact Carl Kurtz at cpkurtz@netins.net.

View our other Nature Walk posts!