Hover Flies in South Carolina

Hover Fly adults vary in color, but the ones homeowners will most often come across will be gold and black or yellow and black. There are some species that are red and black, and some that are a vibrant green color (Species-Ornidia Obesa; they almost resemble Blow Flies). There are a number of ways to differentiate hover flies from yellowjackets, bees, and other Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps/hornets). A Hover Fly has very large eyes, a fat, broad waist, short, stubby antenna, halteres (flight stabilizers that look like small maracas underneath the wings), and no stinger.

Hover Fly Habitat

Hover Flies live outdoors and are frequent garden visitors. If they happen to come indoors it is a mistake and they will not survive long. Since Hover Flies have such species diversity, there is a lot of diversity in what they eat. Many of the adults feed on nectar or pollen and are beneficial pollinators. Many of the larvae feed on organic debris, but there are quite a few species that eat aphids (a garden pest in the order hemiptera–‘true bugs’) and even some that live inside of and feed on ant colonies.

Hover Fly Behaviors, Threats or Dangers

These insects are not major home infesting pests. Most of the issues with Hover Flies arise when homeowners or gardeners mistake them for yellow jackets or other stinging pests. Their color and pattern mimicry is designed to keep them safe from predators, but it can also cause them to be feared by people. Many of these species are beneficial pollinators that can be respected from a safe distance! If you are experiencing issues with hover flies, contact your local fly exterminators for help!