MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management

Hover flies

Beneficial

Hover flies

Diptera: Syrphidae

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The adult is a fly that mimics the coloration of wasps; it often hovers during flight (A). The eggs are white with a stippled sculptured surface (B). The larva (C) is a maggot of variable color (gray, yellow, orange, green or a combination of these colors). It is found among aphid colonies, often co-existing with other predators such as the gall midge. Note: Hover flies are sensitive to several broad-spectrum insecticides, especially the organophosphates.

• Similar Species

  The hover flies can be confused with some wasps, but they have larger eyes and are without the narrow "waist," as well as having only one pair of wings. The wasps have two pairs of wings, are generally larger and may have a sting.