Friday, November 6, 2009

Flower Fly


 
This pretty little flower fly is the Common Oblique Syrphid (Allograpta obliqua). These are small flies that measure up to 3/8 of an inch. They can be found throughout most of North America. They are very common in flower beds where they will be seen nectaring at flowers. In the spring after mating the female will lay eggs on the leaves of various plants, usually near aphids. The young larvae will feed on the aphids. The adults are also partial to the honeydew that aphids produce from their anal glands. Typically these flies will be seen during the summer and early fall. On warmer days in the late fall they will be found at late blooming flowers, like these wild hollyhocks. Hardier plants like marigolds and mums will also attract them. They are sometimes called Hover Flies, from their ability to hover above flowers, they are also able to fly backwards. Syrphid Flies are considered important cross-pollinators of many plants. They are also predators of harmful aphids which attack various citrus crops,fruit trees, grains, corn, alfalfa, cotton, grapes, lettuce and other vegetables, ornamentals, and many wild host plants of the aphids. These little flies are often mistaken for sweat bees from their yellow and black banded bodies. They are beneficial and completely harmless to humans.

4 comments:

  1. Great shot of the little Syrphid. I wonder if their bee mymicry actually works against them when it comes to humans?

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  2. I did think they were little sweat bees. I am glad to hear that they are good guys! We see alot of them. I am hypnotized by their flying skills.

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  3. Thanks Marvin, I am betting that their likeness to little bees cause them MORE issues with humans instead of less. I've caught my own dear husband swatting at these little guys. (He is a work in progress..LOL)

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  4. Rural Rambler---I have hundreds of these little beauties around all summer. Several different species (all looking quite similar) make their homes in our flowers beds. I too am fascinated by them as they flit from flower to flower.

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