Hover Fly (Syrphid Fly)
Beneficial insect · Pollinator
Hover flies are common flower visitors that also contribute to natural pest control in many gardens. Adults often hover in place before darting to another bloom. Many species are harmless mimics of bees or wasps.
How to identify it
Adults usually have one pair of wings, large eyes, and yellow, orange, black, or banded bodies. They can be separated from bees by their fly-like head and lack of a narrow waist. Larvae vary by species, but many aphid-feeding larvae are legless, tapered, and pale green, brown, or translucent.
How it helps your garden
Adult hover flies pollinate many herbs, vegetables, and flowering annuals. In numerous species, the larvae feed on aphids, small caterpillars, and other soft-bodied pests. This combination makes hover flies useful in both food gardens and ornamental beds.
How to attract it
Plant a wide range of nectar and pollen flowers, especially those with open, shallow blooms. Let some herbs flower and include early, midseason, and late-season bloomers. Provide shallow water with pebbles or maintain small damp areas where adults can drink safely. Dense planting and a steady supply of flowers help keep them active in the garden.
Tips
Because they mimic stinging insects, hover flies are often overlooked or misidentified. Watch how they fly, since hovering is a strong clue. Their larvae are easy to miss among aphid colonies, so inspect carefully before washing or removing infested shoots.
General guidance for US gardens. Broad insecticide sprays harm beneficial insects along with pests; for a local pest-management plan, contact your Cooperative Extension office. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.