4476. Wildlife Singapore. Hoverflies in Singapore

Nov 2022. Sighting of a hoverfly in Yio Chu Kang Crescent forest. A short video to show the existence of this hoverfly. 

 

WILDLIFE SINGAPORE. HOVERFLIES. Hoverflies belong to the family Syrphidae which consists of over 250 species in the UK, some of which are incredibly rare. One of these remarkable rare species is the bog hoverfly Eristalis cryptarum. 

What does a hoverfly do? Adult hover flies are important pollinators and can be found feeding at flower blossoms or around aphid colonies, where they lay their eggs. The larvae of hover flies are important predators of pests, such as aphids, scales, thrips and caterpillars. They are rivaled only by ladybird beetles and lacewings. Adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen. The adults need flowers as nectar and pollen sources. They are attracted to weedy borders or mixed garden plantings that are also infested with aphids 

How can you tell a wasp from a hoverfly? The main difference is invisible to the lay observer, given that most encounters happen when the wasp or fly is airborne: wasps have four wings, hoverflies two. More obviously, wasps are "wasp- waisted" while the hoverfly's thorax and abdomen are divided by less of a narrowed section or have none at all. 

Many of us enjoy watching hoverflies as they dart around our gardens amongst the bees and wasps. Sometimes, it is hard to tell the difference as many hoverfly species mimic honeybees and bumblebees (there’s even a hoverfly that mimics a hornet!). 

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Here's a more detailed look at hoverflies in Singapore: 

1. Diversity and Identification: Singapore has a diverse hoverfly fauna, though the exact number of species is still being determined. Many hoverflies, like Dideopsis sp., are bee-mimics, meaning they look like bees but are actually harmless flies. Other genera found in Singapore include Allobaccha, Allograpta, Artemidorus, Graptomyza, Spheginobaccha, Ischiodon, and Microdontinae. The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and the Insect Diversity Laboratory at the National University of Singapore have collections that include hoverflies. 

2. Hoverfly Behavior: They are often seen hovering in mid-air near flowers, hence their name. Some hoverflies, like those in the Microdontinae subfamily, are myrmecophiles, meaning they live in ant nests. Hoverflies are attracted to human sweat and may land on people to lick the moisture and salt. 

3. Importance of Hoverflies: Pollination: Hoverflies are important pollinators, contributing to the pollination of many flowering plants and crops. Pest Control: The larvae of many hoverfly species feed on aphids and other garden pests.

4. Distinguishing Hoverflies from Bees and Wasps: Hoverflies have shorter, stubbier antennae compared to bees. They can hover in mid-air, while bees and wasps typically move directly from one flower to another. Hoverflies do not have stingers and are harmless.

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UPDATES: https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2022/12/4476-hoverfly-in-singapore.html