Flies in the family Syrphidae are commonly known as hoverflies, flower flies, or syrphid flies.
As their common names suggest, 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. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.
Aphids alone cause tens of millions of dollars of damage to crops worldwide every year; because of this, aphid-feeding hoverflies are being recognized as important natural enemies of pests, and potential agents for use in biological control. Some adult syrphid flies are important pollinators.
About 6,000 species in 200 genera have been described. Hoverflies are common throughout the world and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.[1] Hoverflies are harmless to most other animals despite their mimicry of the black and yellow stripes of wasps, which serves to ward off predators.
WoooooHoooo!!!
Thanks everyone for the votes and fantastic comments. It's been a nerve racking but riveting week - the update button certainly has got a work out.....
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Beautiful macro. I've not seen your work until now. Getting ready to explore your portfolio. I can't imagine who would vote 1,3, or 4 on this entry. But to each his own.
Congrats!!!!
great macro i like the dual subject ( the fly and the grass being reflected in the droplet). i think that really gives context to the environment around you in an interesting way
There's always a lot of water drop sort of pictures on DPC but I feel that in this case it enhances the picture. Although it would have been great even with only the hoverfly.
Hoverfly
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