Hover Flies (Syrphidae)

INSECT / TRUE FLY (DIPTERA) /

Hoverflies belong to the True Fly (Diptera).Order which includes insects with one pair of wings which are used for flight The second pair are still present but greatly reduced in size and provide stability in flight. All hoverflies are in the Syrphidae family.

I remember, when I was young, being frightened when hearing a buzzing sound when walking across fields or near bushes. I was convinced that I was surrounded by bees or wasps when most of the time, they were more likely to be hoverflies.

The hoverfly is usually black and yellow to mimick the bees and wasps in appearance. A useful adaption as these are nature’s warning colours and they help to ward off predators. Hoverflies are completely harmless.

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All images Peter Drury unless otherwise stated.