Support a species: Harmless hoverflies

Hoverflies are excellent examples of Batesian mimicry (named after H W Bates who first described it in 1862). They generally mimic bees and wasps – insects that sting and also taste unpleasant, so are avoided by predators.

a hoverfly on a flower
Episyrphus Balteatus

Hoverfly facts

Despite looking like bees and wasps, hoverflies have no sting and are harmless to humans.
They can be differentiated from bees and wasps by their single pair of wings (bees and wasps have 2 pairs) and their flight pattern; they hover for short periods of time.
Hoverflies are welcomed in gardens as they eat aphids, pests and are pollinators.

How you can help

  • Hoverflies are attracted to tiny flowers due to their small mouths and especially flowers that are orange or bright yellow such as Marigolds.
  • Hoverflies will also help your garden by laying eggs; their larvae hatch and eat aphids on plants.

Threats to hoverflies

Like most insects, hoverflies are threatened by habitat loss to agriculture and urbanisation.

Spotting hoverflies

  • Hoverflies can be found in most habitats, including gardens.
  • They are often found on flowers in July and August.