- 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.
Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds - Online edition
Pacific Pests, Pathogens, Weeds & Pesticides
Hoverflies (084)
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Summary
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. In Oceania, it has been recorded in Fiji, Guam, and Solomon Islands.
AUTHORS Suzanne Neave & Grahame Jackson
CABI (2019) Ischiodon scutellaris. Crop Protection Compendium. (https://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/28920); and from Wei TJ (2019) Ischiodon scutellaris - Hover Fly. National University of Singapore. (https://wiki.nus.edu.sg/display/TAX/Ischiodon+scutellaris+-+Hover+Fly). 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.
