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Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

Hoverflies (084)

Relates to: Biocontrol

Photo 1. Hoverfly larva with aphid in its mouth that is about to be sucked dry. Note the short spines on the body.

Photo 2. An adult hoverfly.

Photo 3. Slug-like hoverfly larvae feeding on aphids.

Summary

Worldwide distribution. They are also known as syrphid flies or flower flies; larvae feed on aphids mainly; adults are pollinators.
Oval, white eggs are laid singly near or among groups of aphids. The larvae are green, legless maggots.
Adults are typical flies with one pair of wings, large eyes, and they hover over flowers sucking up nectar.
Management: grow or encourage flowering plants, e.g., large daisies (white and yellow especially), and weeds, in and around gardens/fields. If >2 maggots in a colony of aphids that is enough to control them. Pesticides best avoided, or chose soap, white or horticultural oils, or neem that breaks down quickly.

Common Name

Hoverflies. They are known as syrphid flies or flower flies, and belong to the family Syrphidae.

Scientific Name

There are many kinds of hoverflies in Pacific island countries. Ischiodon scutellaris is given as an example. It has been recorded in Solomon Islands and Fiji.

AUTHORS Suzanne Neave & Grahame Jackson
Photos 1&2 Suzanne Neave, CABI, UK.

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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