HOVERFLIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Three Kashmiri scientists have discovered a new species of hoverfly that mimics the wasp in the high-altitude alpine forests.

Hoverflies

• About: It also known as 'flower flies' or 'syrphid flies', belong to a family with about 6,000 species in the Diptera order.
• Behavioral Traits: They are commonly named for their behavior of hovering around flowers.
• Geographical Distribution: Hoverflies are found worldwide, thriving in both temperate and tropical environments.
• Appearance: With their yellow markings, hoverflies resemble wasps or bees but lack the ability to bite or sting.
• Wing Structure: They are easily distinguished from wasps and bees by their single pair of wings.
• Identification Features: Hoverflies are recognized from other flies by a false (spurious) vein that parallels the fourth longitudinal wing vein.
• Physical Variation: They come in various sizes and shapes, from small and slender to large, hairy, and yellow and black.

Beneficial Insect

• Pollination Role: Adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen, serving as important pollinators across diverse habitats.
• Pest Control: The larvae of many species consume aphids, mites, and small insects, helping control pest populations.
• Nutrient Recycling: Some hoverfly species contribute to nutrient recycling in their ecosystems.