Hoverflys

[John]

It might be me not taking much notice of these insects over the years but there seems to be huge numbers of them everywhere at the moment. I must have hundreds, if not thousands, in my garden at any given time and even when I popped down to B&Q earlier today there were masses of them around their plants.

I must have had hundreds just flying around 1 tub of Chrysanths and Asters alone.

Here is a photo that doesn't show the full number but there were seven just in this photo.



Is it usual to have them in such large numbers? There were times when I could count up to nine of them on just one flower head but the rest of the plant was covered in large numbers as well.

John

[JRsbugs]

I have lots of Episyrphus balteatus this year too! The pupa overwinter often amongst litter on the ground, maybe with the winter starting early a lot more survived than they might have done. I've decided to leave most of my leaves until the wind blows them on borders, the worms pull them into the soil, or they dry up in spring and disappear one way or another. All good for any wildlife including butterflies and moths!

[Hedera]

That explains why I've got such a lot - couldn't get swept up last autumn and my leaves are stil lying about in places! There is one very orange E. balt. which inspects me every time I sit on the patio and hovers about 6 inches in front of me. He chases lots of other insects away.

[aeshna5]

In addition Episyrphus is a well known migrant + it's possible some/many of these may have come from the continent. Also seeing quite a few Scaeva pyastri which is also a regular migrant.

Good to see so many!

[John]

I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about these insects but I do appear to have at least two species. One I think is known as the Marmalade Hoverfly, the other one appears to have a black & white abdomen.

Whatever they are I have grown a new respect for them. They are amazing creatures and it never ceases to amaze me how they can turn and hover in different positions so quickly.

They come right up to your face and they seem to give you the once over before deciding to move on. They are certainly not phased by our presence at all.

John

[JRsbugs]

I find E. balteatus check me out too! It's the males mostly which do that I think.

The black and white one is probably Scaeva pyrastri, I got one today on a red dahlia too so they must like them. E. balteatus are very fond of dahlias and lilium.

Standing in your garden surround by nature is the best experience you can have! Well, almost.