Hoverflies, scientifically known as Syrphidae, are a fascinating group of insects belonging to the Diptera order, commonly known as the true flies. These small to medium-sized insects are often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their similar appearance, with colorful bodies and buzzing flight patterns. However, upon closer inspection, hoverflies can be distinguished by their large, compound eyes, shorter antennae, and lack of a constricted waist like bees.
Hoverflies play a crucial role in ecosystems, particularly in gardens and agricultural settings, where they are renowned for their beneficial attributes. One of the primary reasons hoverflies are beneficial is their role as pollinators. While they do not possess specialized pollen-carrying structures like bees, their frequent visits to flowers for nectar result in inadvertent pollen transfer, aiding in the pollination of a wide variety of plants. This pollination service contributes to the reproductive success of numerous flowering plants, including many crop species, ultimately leading to increased fruit and seed production.
Furthermore, hoverflies are highly effective predators during their larval stage. Hoverfly larvae, often referred to as "aphid lions," voraciously consume soft-bodied pests such as aphids, thrips, and small caterpillars. This natural pest control capability is particularly valuable in gardens where these pests can cause significant damage to plants. By preying on pest populations, hoverfly larvae help maintain a balance in the garden ecosystem, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting overall plant health.
In addition to their ecological benefits, hoverflies are also aesthetically pleasing, adding vibrancy and movement to garden landscapes as they hover and dart among flowers. Their presence enhances the biodiversity of the garden, attracting other beneficial insects and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem.
Attracting hoverflies to a garden involves creating an environment that provides suitable habitats, food sources, and shelter for these beneficial insects.
Plant a diverse range of flowering plants: Hoverflies are attracted to a variety of flowering plants that offer nectar and pollen. Choose plants with different shapes, colors, and bloom times to provide a continuous food source throughout the growing season. Some excellent choices include marigolds, cosmos, zinnias, lavender, dill, fennel, and members of the Asteraceae family like sunflowers and coneflowers.
Include umbel-shaped flowers: Hoverflies are particularly drawn to flowers with open, flat shapes, such as those found in umbel-shaped blooms. Examples include dill, fennel, parsley, and Queen Anne's lace.
Avoid pesticides: Pesticides, including insecticides and herbicides, can harm hoverflies and other beneficial insects. Opt for natural pest control methods, such as companion planting, beneficial insect habitats, and cultural practices like crop rotation and mulching, to manage pests without disrupting the hoverfly population.
Provide water sources: Like other insects, hoverflies need access to water for drinking and reproduction. Consider incorporating shallow dishes or birdbaths with fresh water into your garden to attract hoverflies and provide them with a water source.
Create habitat diversity: Hoverflies require diverse habitats for feeding, mating, and shelter. Incorporate a mix of plant heights, structures, and textures to create an inviting environment. Allow some areas of the garden to remain wild or untended, as this provides refuge for hoverfly larvae and other beneficial insects.
Utilize aromatic plants: Hoverflies are often attracted to the scent of aromatic plants. Herbs like mint, oregano, thyme, and basil not only add fragrance to the garden but also attract hoverflies and other pollinators with their aromatic oils.
Provide suitable nesting sites: While adult hoverflies do not build nests, they may seek out sheltered areas to rest and lay eggs. Leave some areas of the garden undisturbed, such as patches of dense vegetation, leaf litter, or mulch, to provide suitable nesting sites for hoverflies.
Overall, hoverflies are invaluable allies in garden ecosystems. Their dual roles as pollinators and natural predators make them essential contributors to plant health, pest control, and biodiversity conservation, ultimately fostering thriving and balanced garden environments. Be sure to head to your garden with this fact sheet from Tufts University that contains pictures of the most common hoverflies in New England.
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