American Hover Fly - female

Description:

The American Hover Fly, like other hoverfly species, mimics wasps and/or bees to ward off predators. There is often variations in color within the species which is attributed to temperature differences during the pupal stage. The American Hover Fly larvae are extremely beneficial and important natural enemies of pests. They are extremely voracious feeders of aphids of many different species, thrips and other plant-sucking insects. Adults nectar from flowers and are considered important pollinators.

Habitat:

Canada - Mexico. Fields, meadows, prairies, gardens.

Notes:

Observed on Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)