Insects of Southern Australian Broadacre Farming Systems - Grains ...

Lifecycle
Complete metamorphosis.
Adult hoverflies have dark-coloured flattened bodies
with black and yellow markings.
Larvae are legless, green in colour and appear grub-like.
Confused with/similar to
Some species superficially resemble bees as they hover
near plants and have similar colouration. They differ
from bees in having only one set of developed wings
and their movement is faster and more direct than bees.
They can also be confused with other flies.
Pests attacked/impact on pests
Larvae attack a range of soft-bodied insects but prefer
aphids. They spear prey with their mouth hooks,
often holding them upright and sucking out the body
contents. Adults feed on pollen and honeydew and are
not predatory.
The adult fly can often be seen hovering near flowers
searching for nectar and a place to lay eggs. These are
usually placed near prey (e.g. aphid colonies) for the
newly hatched larvae to feed on.
Ute Guides, Southern (p.140)/Western (p.116).
Distribution/habitat
Hoverflies are common throughout most of Australia,
can be found in a variety of habitats and are often
associated with aphid populations. They are common
in flowering crops such as canola, pasture paddocks
and on some flowering roadside weeds. Some species
can be found throughout summer months in irrigated
paddocks. They are most prevalent in spring.
Insects of Southern Australian Broadacre Farming Systems Identification Manual and Education Resource © 2012
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SECTION 4 COMMON Pest, Beneficial and exotic Species