Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Hover fly
Syrphidae
· Also called flower fly, drone fly, sweat bee look-alike
People search “hover fly” because it looks like something that bites. Hover fly (Syrphidae) does not bite or sting people. Also called flower fly, drone fly, sweat bee look-alike.
The bee that hovers and never stings is usually a hover fly.
What does a hover fly look like?
Hover fly is Bee-sized or smaller. Colors: yellow, black, brown. Marks: One pair of wings; Hovers; On flowers; No narrow wasp waist that stings.
Hover fly is Bee-sized or smaller. Colors: yellow, black, brown. Marks: One pair of wings; Hovers; On flowers; No narrow wasp waist that stings.
Identification marks
- One pair of wings
- Hovers
- On flowers
- No narrow wasp waist that stings
Size: Bee-sized or smaller
Colors: yellow, black, brown
Where: outdoor
Hover fly vs Eastern yellowjacket
Hovering at a flower with one pair of wings = hover fly. Two pairs, narrow waist, at a soda can = yellowjacket.
- Eastern yellowjacket identification (Vespula maculifrons)
- Honey bee identification (Apis mellifera)
- Sweat bee identification (Halictus / Lasioglossum spp.)
Range and season
Active summer. Places: garden. Wasp mimic with one pair of wings. Hovers. Does not sting.
Flower gardens.
Wasp mimic with one pair of wings. Hovers. Does not sting.
Summer
Common questions
Do hover flies sting?
No. The stripes are a mimic.