A hover fly sits on its perch.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Larvae of syrphid flies in the genus Microdon are so odd that they were originally described as molluscs.  The adults are more or less normal-looking flies, but larvae are predators of ant brood, living within the dark galleries of ant nests (in this case, with Linepithema oblongum).

Termas de Reyes, Jujuy, Argentina
Paragus sp. hover fly (Syrphidae)

Urbana, Illinois, USA
A drone fly (Eristalis sp.) feeds on a Coreopsis flower.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Larvae of syrphid flies in the genus Microdon are so odd that they were originally described as molluscs.  The adults are more or less normal-looking flies, but larvae are predators of ant brood, living within the dark galleries of ant nests (in this case, with Linepithema oblongum).

Termas de Reyes, Jujuy, Argentina
A predatory syrphid fly larva sneaks up behind an oleander aphid (Aphis nerii) for a quick snack.  Syrphids are excellent control agents for pest aphids.  Arizona.

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Flies are among the most important pollinators.  Here, an Eristalis drone fly (Syrphidae) visits a Prunus flower. California.

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A hover fly (Syrphidae) visits a flower.

Sagehen Creek, California, USA
Flies are among the most important pollinators. Here, an Eristalis drone fly (Syrphidae) visits a Prunus flower. California.

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Flies are among the most important pollinators.  Here, an Eristalis drone fly (Syrphidae) visits a Prunus flower. California.

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Flies are among the most important pollinators. Here, an Eristalis drone fly (Syrphidae) visits a Prunus flower. California.

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See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013