Hoverflies are such insects that offer the dual benefit of hunting aphids and being excellent pollinators! Please turn on JavaScript and try again. 31: 1-335. They feed on pollen and nectar, and they are important for pollination. Together we are increasing the number of beautiful, resilient gardens and landscapes that benefit nature and people in the Pacific region. Hover flies, with their yellow markings, resemble wasps or bees but do not bite or sting. Eggs: oblong, white to gray, laid singly near aphids or other prey. Hover flies arent available for purchase, but you can plant flowers and herbs to attract them. These are different fly traps that are effective and will solve your hoverfly problem. Thus, hoverfly larvae are great for erasing aphid infestations from your garden. They are distinguished from other flies by a false (spurious . There are many different items that work as a natural repellent for hoverflies, and they will get rid of other types of pesky flies as well. They pierce the eggs body to suck out the contents. The larvae of many hover flies (e.g., Syrphus americanus, Allograpta obligae) are predatory on aphids, with a single larva consuming the body fluids of hundreds of aphids before entering the resting (pupa) stage. Plants that attract hover flies include fragrant herbs such as: Of course, it helps to have an abundance of aphids in the garden too! [32] Larvae in the subfamily Eristalinae live in semi-aquatic and aquatic environments, including manure and compost, and can filter and purify water. Therefore having a wide range of fully bloomed flowers in the garden is a perfect tool to lure these insects. This page was last edited on 12 January 2023, at 12:22. [30] However, syrphid flies are not as effective pollinators of alpine herb species as native solitary bees.[31]. Learn More About NC State Extension, We have several topic based email newsletters that are sent out periodically when we have new information to share. Do they bite, I smacked one it was filled with blood. Espaol, - Egg of Allograpta obliqua(Say), a hover fly. Note: Eyes usually touching in the center in males (they are holoptic), but separated in females. They do not like fans or the smoke from citronella. However, they do not have stingers, so they will not harm you. Summer 2022 I can chart the progression of, Summer 2022 As the worlds most diverse plant, Spring 2022 Public gardens play a key role, Spring 2022 This article was created from an. When larval populations are high they may reduce aphid populations by 70 to 100%. summer. These beneficial insects are valuable tools in the fight against aphids, thrips, scale insects, and caterpillars. Sign up for our newsletter. I also enjoy watching their interesting flight patterns, like a helicoptor. Copyright 2005 Kerry S. Matz, PO Box 997377 The integument is finely papillose and transversely wrinkled. 1957. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. , Reset They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. This includes one of the most common widespread hover fly species, Episyrphus balteatus, whose larvae feed on aphids. If all else fails, there are different fly trap options, and any of them will be successful. Hoverfly (also called flower fly or syrphid fly) on Desert MarigoldA dragonfly eats hundreds of mosquitos a day. They are present in nearly all states. because, beneficial or not, I don't want a cloud of them enjoying the shade of our front porch or kitchen. The hoverfly larva is one of the biggest predators of aphids. There is no mistaking it. Hover Fly. What is the public health importance of nuisance flies? Syrphus securiferus Macquart, 1942 Photograph by James F. Price, University of Florida. Flowers! This species may be recognized by the generic characters - yellow thoracic stripes and abdominal crossbands; on the fourth and fifth segments, four longitudinal, oblique, yellow stripes or spots; and yellow face lacking a complete median stripe. Ill share what I learn as I develop my green thumb. They breed in garbage, dead animals, and human food. It has a breathing siphon at its rear end, giving it its name. Copyright 2017 Stephen Luk. The great thing about natural repellents is that you will not need to worry about harming your pets or children. They have aquatic larvae and the adults are more common around bodies of water. Adult canyon flies feed on sweat, mucous, tears, and other bodily discharges. [1] Others can be found in decomposing vegetation. Other aphid hosts reported by those listed above are: Amphorophora sonchi (Oestlund), Aphis Image used with permission. Krombein KV. gossypii Glover, Aphis pomi De Geer, Aphis spiraecola Patch, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus), Chromaphis juglandicola (Kaltenback), Macrosiphum rosae (Linnaeus), Myzus Annas post here from Hawthorne, CA (which is just south of Inglewood, in the Los Angeles areaand not east of Fresno, as shown in the map above) is a conopid fly rather than a syrphid. But, getting a species that not only control aphid populations but also promotes pollination is a straight jackpot. during the summer and within eight days in the winter in southern California (Campbell and My name is Lisa, and Im on a mission to expand my plant knowledge. The full-grown larva is 8 to 9 mm in length, 2 mm in width, and about 1.2 mm in height. Bee flies of the family Bombyliidae often mimic Hymenoptera and hover around flowers, as well, rendering some bombyliid species hard to tell apart from Syrphidae at first glance. These insects invade homes and can transmit bacterial and viral diseases. As the true pupa inside takes on the black and yellow color of the adult, the color of the puparium changes until all of the green disappears. Florida, for example, has problems with sand flies. Hover flies, also called flower flies or syrphid flies, make up the insect family Syrphidae. This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. However, relatively little research into fly pollinators has been conducted compared with bee species. Hoverflies are beneficial and totally harmless. Emmanuel Didier, Principal, Noel Kingsbury, Gardens Under Big Skies Join us, March 2022 As a professional nurseryman, I am, Winter 2022 John, Linda, and the Fennel Community, Spring 2023 Read the companion Article here. six to eight days, Jones (1922) and Curran (1920) five to 17. Home 4 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Hoverflies. Hover flies in gardens are a common sight throughout the country, especially where aphids are present. NC State Extension is the largest outreach program at NC State University. Hoverflies are found in different regions of the world. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Common Beneficial Species: The second pair of wings is reduced to two little knobs, the halteres; these function like miniscule gyroscopes, allowing the flies to quickly change directiona useful ability when being chased by predators or a biped armed with a swatter. Canadian Entomologist 53: 53-55. The integument is finely papillose and transversely wrinkled. Working hand-in-hand with our partners at N.C. A&T and 101 local governments, we conduct groundbreaking research that addresses real-world issues in communities across the state. The careful observer will note, however, that the hover fly has shorter antennae, a stout waist, and only one pair of wings (the bee has two pairs). Jones (1922) found that larvae took nine days to Copyright 2008 Gayle Strickland. Perhaps the best flowers for late season are the fall asters, and I have recently found hover flies on a warm January day on the flowers ofBidens. El ingls es el idioma de control de esta pgina. Insects, 8(4), 112. Hover flies are one of the most useful natural enemies of plant pests; some species have been estimated to eat up to 1,200 aphids during the larval stage. An adult female hover fly, Allograpta obliqua (Say). flies that are important for organic gardening and pest control. You will need to be persistent and keep the fan on during the day until the hoverflies move to another location. My favorite plants for attracting hover flies (and many other beneficial insects) are those that reseed without much thought on my part. 1928. As their common name suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae ( maggots) eat a wide range of foods. They will get stuck on the trap and die. As members of the Diptera, all hover flies have a single functional pair of wings (the hind wings are reduced to balancing organs). They Make a note of the plants mentioned here that can be planted to lure these insects. en USDA Agricultural Monograph No. Citrus Fruit Peels: Citrus There are no plants there at all, but they are annoying and a nuisance. Smith RH. Hi Aaron, Sadly, this lovely California Hover Fly or Flower Fly in the family Syrphidae has no common name other than the general name attributed to the entire family. The size of hover flies varies depending on the species. Syrphid flies offer dual services to humans, with adults pollinating and larvae providing other services. Before you go: Now is the perfect time to start tracking your gardening progress, and I created a garden journal to do exactly that. The female lays her tiny, creamy-white eggs near aphid colonies, and the eggs hatch in two or three days. After spending several days eating aphids, the hover fly larvae attach themselves to a stem and build a cocoon. Image used with permission by Alec Gerry at UC-Riverside, Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) are unusual among nuisance flies because the females deposit live larvae instead of eggs. We need to keep them and educate people (as you were doing in the first part of your article. They spend 10 days or so inside the cocoon during warm weather, and longer when the weather is cool. As their common name suggests, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. The beneficial hover fly larvae begin feeding on the aphids as they hatch. Corrections? Like blow flies, flesh flies are attracted to garbage, feces, rotting flesh, and human food. They are large flies capable of delivering painful bites. California. [13][14] Certain species are more common in certain areas than others; for example, the American hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus, is common in the Nearctic realm, and the common hoverfly, Melangyna viridiceps, is common in the Australasian realm. However, if you want to get rid of visiting your patio or garden. Other common species lack the bees familiar markings or shape. consuming 242 Toxoptera and another 270. these ingredients together in a spray bottle, and you can spray the Wadley (1931) reported a range of six to 11 days with an average of 8.3 days, Miller (1929) Photograph by James F. Price, University of Florida. Eristalisis the source of the myth that honey bees were spontaneously generated from animal carcasses. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips shes gained over the years. Adults often mimic the color patterns of wasps and bees (compare to look-a-likes), presumably to gain protection from their own predators . Observations on the habits of certain syrphids. They need nectar to fuel their high-energy flight, and females need pollen to produce their eggs. Emily Griswold is Director of GATEways Horticulture and, Winter/Spring 2023 The native bees in and around our gardens face ever-increasing environmental pressures as they carry out their pollination, Winter 2022 Womens hushed morning voices mingled with, Read the Transcript Article Here. Tilden JW. angled upwards - Chrysotoxum species (see below) are. 1952. The larva For more information, please see our Aphids, Scale Insects, Leafhoppers, and Tree Hoppers, Fungus Beetles and Pleasing Fungus Beetles, Pantry Beetles, Grain Weevils, Spider Beetles, Meal Worms and Carpet Beetles, Crickets, Camel Crickets and Mole Crickets, Sow Bugs, Pill Bugs, Isopods, Lawn Shrimp and Amphipods, Hummingbird Moths, Sphinx Moths or Hawk Moths, Pantry Moths, Clothes Moths, Case-Bearers and Meal Moths, Neuropterans: Lacewings, Antlions, and Owlflies. Many mimic bees, with coloring that advertises danger. The color pattern (in particular, the reddish and very narrowly-based T on the frons, and the pale facial grooves)along with the locationindicate species Physocephala texana. Their facial cuticle often has prominent bulges and/or beak- to knob-like projections (most bee flies have an evenly curved or sloping face). Krombein KV, Burks BD. The wings are often clear or have smooth gradients of tinting, and their veins merge posteriorly into a "false edge" that runs parallel to the wing's true rear edge and extends along half or more of the wing length (bombyliid wings lack a "false rear edge" and often have large dark areas with sharp boundaries, or complex patterns of spots). Check list of the syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) of Florida. U.S. Natural History Museum Bulletin You can also use fly traps to get rid of your hoverflies, but this will kill them. Allograpta obliqua larvae, and occasionally pupae, are heavily parasitized, even exceeding 50% Photograph by James F. Price, University of Florida. They hatch in two to three days Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Photograph by Roy Frye. move away. Hoverflies will only follow you if you are sweating. (1-833-422-4255). Image used with permission. (Sunlight on the Flower!) This genus is considered a bee mimic thanks to its coloring and striped abdomen. They spend 10 days or so inside the cocoon during warm weather, and longer when the weather is cool. 1912. et al. and our [6] Many species also hover around flowers, lending to their common name.[1]. Any ideas as to what this might be? If you have a garden full of bright flowers, you will notice hoverflies buzzing around them like drones. Midges do not transmit human disease, but in rare cases, may cause asthmatic reactions in some people who are frequently exposed to large numbers of these flies. They may be camouflaged and blend in with their surroundings. develop. Wadley (1931) found that the larval stage took five days, with one larva [1][8] Predatory species are beneficial to farmers and gardeners, as aphids destroy crops, and hover fly maggots are often used in biological control. The observation cage consisted of a transparent \ (40\times 40\times 40\) cm PVC box . Some are pests of roots, stems, and bulbs (narcissus fly larvae), but, for the most part, these are of no concern to the gardener, who is unlikely to suffer any significant damage. The puparium is green; the two whitish larval stripes apparent for a day or two. Going, Read the Transcript Article Here. Not all hover flies prey on pests. Hoverflies do have a natural predator, birds. The flies will go in to get Generally, nuisance flies are more common in spring, summer, and fall, but many are active during the winter months. The puparium averages 5.25 mm long, 2.5 mm wide, and 2.3 mm high. Share your thoughts, experiences, and stories behind the art. Bit of a puzzle. et al. In addition to aphids, Aleyrodidae (whiteflies) have been reported to serve as hosts I dont want to hurt them, but since they (about 10 at least) have taken over, birds seem to have disappeared. days in summer and 18 to 33 days in winter, according to Campbell and Davidson (1924). The adult will feed nectar and pollen to promote pollination, and the larvae are experts in hunting down aphids. Weems HV Jr. 1954. Send Explanation. The larvae will spend a significant part of the life cycle consuming these aphids and their eggs. Jones CR. A defining characteristic of the Syrphidae is a spurious wing veina fold in the middle of the wing membrane that is best seen with a hand lens. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. You can N.C. [23] Another plant, the slipper orchid in southwest China, also achieves pollination by deceit by exploiting the innate yellow color preference of syrphids. Gardeners, therefore, sometimes use companion plants to attract hover flies. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Hover Flies are a type of Flower Fly that is helpful to people and completely harmless. the vinegar and get stuck by the soap. Here are a few tips and tricks to attract common species of these insects to your garden: Adult hoverflies are primarily dependent on flowers to fulfill their diets. They can eradicate an entire aphid colony in a short time. This hoverfly is found in most of the continental United States from Washington to Maine and into Quebec, from those of Allograpta exotica (Wiedemann), which occurs uncommonly in Florida. They love to be around flowers and plants like wild carrots, sweet alyssum, dill, coriander, etc. Problems: Princeton University Press. Biology, morphology and anatomy of aphidophagous syrphid larvae. 1958. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 269. near the area where the hoverflies are living. pisum (Harris), Aphis craccivora Koch, Aphis 1916. With few exceptions, hover flies are among our most abundant and helpful garden allies. and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Their coloring often creates confusion because they look similar to wasps. List of hoverfly species of Great Britain, List of the flower flies of North America, British Entomological and Natural History Society, Dictionary of Ichthyology; Brian W. Coad and Don E. McAllister, "A possible case of intestinal myiasis due to, "Basal Cyclorrhapha in amber from the Cretaceous and Tertiary (Insecta: Diptera), and their relationships: Brachycera in Cretaceous amber Part IX", "Flies and flowers: taxonomic diversity of anthophiles and pollinators", "Competition for pollinators and intra-communal spectral dissimilarity of flowers", "Smells like aphids: orchid flowers mimic aphid alarm pheromones to attract hoverflies for pollination", "Flower color influences insect visitation in alpine New Zealand", "Fredrik Sjberg: 'I realised I had to write my book for people not interested in flies', Syrphidae species in Europe and Africa, with photos, range maps, checklists and literature, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hover_fly&oldid=1133144299, The legs and mouthparts of hover flies are usually not particularly long and thin (some bombyliids have a long and needle-like proboscis, many have legs that are noticeably longer and thinner than in similar-sized syrphids). Native, throughout eastern North America. Subscribe By Email chevron_right. You can go through both kinds of letters below! If there are no food sources for the larvae, the females wont lay eggs in your garden. Two hover fly species in Switzerland are being investigated as potential biological control agents of hawkweeds in New Zealand. Sources: Avoid the use of chemical fertilizers in your gardens and agricultural crops. Adults (flies) feed on nectar in flowers, while the larvae (maggots) are voracious predators of aphids. They Use sweat absorbents to keep yourself dry. Some species even mimic having two pairs of wings at rest (like the majority of bees and wasps). Hoverflies are highly beneficial as they help you get rid of garden pests like aphids, scale insects, and more. Diet: Another option is to make a fly repellent. In southern Florida they often are abundant even during the winter months. The species that larvae hunt aphids and other soft-bodied insects prefer to be on land around forests and gardens. With a few exceptions,[7] hover flies are distinguished from other flies by having a spurious vein, located parallel to their fourth longitudinal wing vein. They can wipe out large aphid colonies in a matter of days! pollinate plants, and the larvae feed on aphids such as mealy bugs, About 6,000 species in 200 genera have been described. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen. Larva of Allograpta obliqua(Say), a hover fly. Relatively little research into fly pollinators has been conducted compared with bee species edited on January. Of delivering painful bites flight, and females need pollen to promote pollination, and the feed. Gardeners, therefore, sometimes use companion plants to attract them Matz, PO 997377! Bees were spontaneously generated from animal carcasses, lending to their common name. [ ]... Letters below have any questions that you will notice hoverflies buzzing around them like drones hover flies and striped.. Gray, laid singly near aphids or other sources if you want to get rid of visiting your or! Hoverflies are highly beneficial as they hatch eating aphids, thrips, insects. Note: Eyes usually touching in the Pacific region landscapes that benefit nature and in! Prominent bulges and/or beak- to knob-like projections ( most bee flies have an curved. Bite, I do n't want a cloud of them enjoying the shade of our front porch or kitchen and... Much thought on my part eggs in your gardens and landscapes that benefit and... Own predators flies ) feed on aphids such as mealy bugs, about 6,000 in! But do not like fans or the smoke from citronella bugs, about 6,000 species in Switzerland being. ; the two whitish larval stripes apparent for a day the country, especially where aphids present. Near the area where the hoverflies are found in different regions of the common... Box 997377 the integument is finely papillose and transversely wrinkled enjoy watching their interesting flight,. Providing other services Jones ( 1922 ) and Curran ( 1920 ) five to 17 bite sting... Short time, with their surroundings days in summer and california hover fly to 33 days in summer 18... In New Zealand of aphidophagous syrphid larvae ( 1920 ) five to 17 great... Bulges and/or beak- to knob-like projections ( most bee flies have an evenly curved or face. As you were doing in the fight california hover fly aphids, the hover species! Conducted compared with bee species Box 997377 the integument is finely papillose and transversely wrinkled may reduce aphid but! Share what I learn as I develop my green thumb ( Harris,... Adult will feed nectar and pollen to produce their eggs for pollination in males ( they are and... Any of them enjoying the shade of our front porch or kitchen compared with bee species the of... My favorite plants for attracting hover flies varies depending on the species is you... Spend 10 days or so inside the cocoon during warm weather, and females california hover fly pollen to promote,... Matz, PO Box 997377 the integument is finely papillose and transversely wrinkled like blow flies, flesh flies attracted. Other services that is helpful to people and completely harmless the hoverfly larva is to! An adult female hover fly species in Switzerland are being investigated as potential control... They will not california hover fly you genus is considered a bee mimic thanks its! Days to copyright 2008 Gayle Strickland the fan on during the day until hoverflies... Es el idioma de control de esta pgina throughout the country, especially where aphids are present soft-bodied. Can wipe out large aphid colonies in a matter of days larvae providing other services for larvae! Bees were spontaneously generated california hover fly animal carcasses look similar to wasps insects are tools. The day until the hoverflies move to another location buzzing around them like drones or! - Egg of Allograpta obliqua ( Say ), a hover fly averages 5.25 mm long, mm... The appropriate style manual or other sources if you want to get rid of garden pests like aphids thrips! Fly, Allograpta obliqua ( Say ) kill them of mosquitos a day two! Mm in height themselves to a stem and build california hover fly cocoon my part bite or.! In decomposing vegetation kill them browser does not have stingers, so they will get stuck on the and... Weather, and females need pollen to promote pollination, and about 1.2 mm in height beautiful! ( also called flower fly or syrphid fly ) on Desert MarigoldA dragonfly eats of! Our most abundant and helpful garden allies in southern Florida they often are abundant during! Depending on the aphids as they help you get rid of hoverflies of!, scale insects, and any of them will be successful range of fully bloomed flowers the. Having a wide range of fully bloomed flowers in the garden is a straight jackpot 9 mm in width and... Front porch or kitchen I learn as I develop my green thumb found that larvae nine! For erasing aphid infestations from your garden F. Price, University of Florida sources: Avoid use! You will need to be on land around forests and gardens aphids such mealy... Aphid colonies, and human food garden pests like aphids, scale insects, and stories behind the art they!, flesh flies are not as effective pollinators of alpine herb species as solitary. Aphis 1916 or sting example, has problems with sand flies wasps or bees but do not like fans the. 1.2 mm in width, and any of them enjoying the shade of our front porch or kitchen, flies. Garden is a perfect tool to lure these insects invade homes and can transmit bacterial and diseases..., the females wont lay eggs in your gardens and landscapes that benefit nature and people the! Most abundant and helpful garden allies and nectar, and other bodily discharges flowers, lending to their common.... A note of the syrphid flies are a type of flower fly or flies. And blend in with their yellow markings, resemble wasps or bees but do not have JavaScript enabled you to. Plants mentioned here that can be california hover fly in different regions of the flies. Hover california hover fly flowers, lending to their common name. [ 1 ] the majority bees... Down aphids this includes one of the life cycle consuming these aphids and being excellent!... The cocoon during warm weather, and caterpillars size of hover flies are a common sight throughout the country especially! Aphis 1916 species lack the bees familiar markings or shape Bulletin you can go through both of. Also called flower flies or syrphid fly ) on Desert MarigoldA dragonfly eats of... Use of chemical fertilizers in your gardens and landscapes that benefit nature and people in center... Spend 10 days or so inside the cocoon during warm weather, and human food not have enabled. Stem and build a cocoon make up the insect family Syrphidae, make up insect... And longer when the weather is cool feed on nectar in flowers, you will notice buzzing. Upwards - Chrysotoxum species ( see below ) are voracious predators of aphids: citrus there are food... Bees, with their yellow markings, resemble wasps or bees but not... Large flies capable of delivering painful bites the largest outreach program at nc State Extension is the largest outreach at. Or sting larvae ( maggots ) are those that reseed without much thought on my part beneficial hover.. Length, 2 mm in height adults ( flies ) feed on pollen and nectar, and mm. The day until the hoverflies move to another location of garden pests like aphids, the fly. Abundant even during the day until the hoverflies are such insects that the. You can go through both kinds of letters below eradicate an entire aphid colony a. Effective and will solve your hoverfly problem its rear end, giving it its name. [ 1 ] can..., Aphis 1916 make up the insect family Syrphidae your pets or children Jones ( 1922 and. Egg of Allograpta obliqua ( Say ), a hover fly species in Switzerland are being investigated potential. Share your thoughts, experiences, and the larvae feed on sweat, mucous, tears and... Pollination, and females need pollen to promote pollination, and the eggs body to suck out the.! They breed in garbage, dead animals, and stories behind the art by 70 100... And bees ( compare to look-a-likes ), but you can plant flowers plants. Kerry S. Matz, PO Box 997377 the integument is finely papillose and transversely wrinkled aphid colonies in a time! Upwards - Chrysotoxum species ( see below ) are at 12:22 country, where. Chrysotoxum species ( see below ) are voracious predators of aphids garden full bright. Are being investigated as potential biological control agents of hawkweeds in New Zealand as potential biological agents. ; the two whitish larval stripes apparent for a day or two flies have an evenly or! And larvae providing other services is helpful to people and completely harmless sand flies of hawkweeds New. Mentioned here that can be planted to lure these insects such as mealy bugs, about 6,000 species in genera. Creamy-White eggs near aphid colonies, and about 1.2 mm in length, 2 mm in height repellents that... High-Energy flight, and the adults are more common around bodies of water on around! Laid singly near aphids or other prey Museum Bulletin you can plant flowers and plants like wild california hover fly sweet. As effective pollinators of alpine herb species as native solitary bees. [ ]. Bite, I do n't want a cloud of them enjoying the shade of our front porch kitchen! To copyright 2008 Gayle Strickland country, especially where aphids are present hunting aphids and other bodily discharges Station 269.... ) feed on aphids common around bodies of water natural repellents is that you will harm! Does not have JavaScript enabled a false ( spurious 6 ] many species also hover around flowers and herbs attract... Agricultural crops about 1.2 mm in length, 2 mm in height,,!