Syrphid Flies (Hoverflies): Aphid Predators & Pollinators

Hoverfly ID

• Look like small wasps (black/yellow stripes) but fly heads, 2 wings (not 4), hover/backwards flight.
• ¼–½ in. Adults pollinate; larvae (green/brown maggots) eat aphids, thrips, scales, caterpillars.
• High populations control 70–100% of aphids.

Life Cycle

• Eggs: oval, creamy white, near aphid colonies. Hatch 2–3 days (summer), 8 days (winter).
• Larvae: legless, dull green, 2 white stripes. Feed immediately.
• Pupae: attach to leaves/twigs, overwinter in soil/leaves.
• 3–7 generations/year. Females lay up to 100 eggs.

Attracting Hoverflies

Plant continuous blooms (last frost to first frost): alyssum, aster, coreopsis, cosmos, daisies, lavender, marigolds, statice, sunflowers, zinnias. Adults need flowers for energy/mating.