Flower Fly – 5/23/18

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/23/18

Observation Time: 8:50 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Flower Fly

Scientific Name: Helophilus fasciatus

Comments: Flower Flies (also known as “hover flies” because of their tendency to hover in mid-air for long periods), are especially interesting insects.  They are overlooked by nearly everybody but farmers, who recognize them as one of the most important groups of insects beneficial to humans.  They’re not only important pollinators, but they dispose of crop pests as carnivorous larvae. There are 15 genera in all, and hundreds of species.

More Information: NatureSearch