Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Worldwide distribution. They are also known as syrphid flies or flower flies; larvae feed on aphids mainly; adults are pollinators.
• Oval, white eggs are laid singly near or among groups of aphids. The larvae are green, legless maggots.
• Adults are typical flies with one pair of wings, large eyes, and they hover over flowers sucking up nectar.
• Management: grow or encourage flowering plants, e.g., large daisies (white and yellow especially), and weeds, in and around gardens/fields. If >2 maggots in a colony of aphids that is enough to control them. Pesticides best avoided, or chose soap, white or horticultural oils, or neem that breaks down quickly.