Hoverflies, flower flies, or syrphid flies are beneficial insects because of their role in pollination, pest control, biodiversity support, their status as indicator species, and most importantly, their aesthetic value.
Encouraging their presence in ecosystems by using native plants in your hoverfly habitat, you provide a sustainable and reliable food source, habitat, and support system that promotes the health and population of hoverflies.
Benefits of Hoverflies in Your Garden
Using native plants to create hoverfly habitats contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. By supporting native hoverfly populations, you also indirectly support other native insects, birds, and wildlife that rely on these insects as a food source.
Aside from being cute and friendly, (they don't have stingers, even though some look like bees.), hoverflies can benefit your yard directly in many ways.
Pollination:
Hoverflies are important pollinators. As they visit flowers in search of nectar and pollen, they inadvertently transfer pollen from the male parts (stamens) to the female parts (pistils) of flowers, facilitating the fertilization process and promoting plant reproduction.
Pest control:
Hoverflies are voracious predators during their larval stage. Their larvae, often called "aphid lions," feed on soft-bodied insects such as aphids, thrips, scale insects, and other small pests.
They can consume a large number of these pests, helping to naturally control their populations in gardens, agricultural fields, and other habitats. This makes hover flies valuable allies in integrated pest management strategies, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Biodiversity:
Hoverflies contribute to the overall biodiversity of ecosystems. They are a diverse group, with thousands of species worldwide, each adapted to different environments and plant species. By supporting hoverfly populations, we enhance ecosystems' overall diversity and resilience.
Indicator species:
Some hoverfly species are considered indicator species, meaning their presence
or absence can indicate the health and quality of an ecosystem. For example, certain species are sensitive to habitat degradation or pollution. Monitoring hoverfly populations can provide valuable information about the state of the environment and help identify areas that may require conservation efforts.
Aesthetic value:
Hoverflies are beautiful insects with bright colors and patterns, often resembling bees or wasps. They add visual appeal to gardens and natural landscapes, enhancing the aesthetic value of these environments.
Attracting Hoverflies
Native plants and native hoverflies have coevolved over time, developing a mutually beneficial relationship. Native plants have adapted to the local environment, including the climate, soil, and pests, which makes them more resilient and well-suited to support native insect populations. Hoverflies, in turn, have evolved to rely on the nectar, pollen, and shelter provided by native plants.
Choose native plants:
Hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen as adults, providing them with the energy and nutrients they need for survival. Native plants have evolved to produce nectar and pollen that are attractive and accessible to native pollinators, including hoverflies. They often have specific flower shapes, colors, or scents well-suited for attracting hoverflies.
Many native plants have staggered blooming periods, providing a consistent and reliable food source throughout the hoverfly's active season. By selecting a variety of native plants with different flowering times, you can ensure a steady supply of nectar and pollen for hoverflies from spring to fall, helping to support their populations.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia spp.): An evergreen shrub that produces clusters of yellow flowers in early spring, attracting hoverflies and other pollinators.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is a herbaceous perennial that
produces flat-topped clusters of small, white, or pink flowers. It blooms from late spring to summer and is highly attractive to hoverflies.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Goldenrod is a late-summer blooming perennial with bright yellow flowers rich in nectar. It attracts hoverflies and other beneficial insects.
Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.): Asters are herbaceous perennials that bloom in late summer or fall, producing daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. They are highly attractive to hoverflies.
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Milkweed is a vital plant for many pollinators, including hoverflies. It produces clusters of fragrant flowers and serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies.
Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa):
This native perennial features showy red and yellow flowers on slender stems. It blooms in late spring and early summer, attracting hoverflies and hummingbirds.
Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum): Nodding onion is a bulbous perennial with drooping clusters of pink to white flowers. It blooms in mid-summer and is attractive to hoverflies and other pollinators.
Lupine (Lupinus spp.):
Lupines are native wildflowers that produce spikes of colorful flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white. They are known to attract hoverflies and other pollinators.
Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum): Oregon Sunshine is a perennial with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from spring to summer. It is a popular plant for attracting hoverflies and other beneficial insects.
Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Kinnikinnick is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that produces small, urn-shaped flowers in spring. It is attractive to hoverflies and provides ground cover in gardens.
These plants typically have small, clustered flowers that produce abundant nectar and pollen.
Creating Hoverfly Habitat
Creating a hoverfly habitat may take time. It may take a season or two for the plants to become established and attract a significant population of hoverflies. Be patient and provide a nurturing environment; soon, you'll have a flourishing habitat for these valuable pollinators.
Here are a few tips to get started:
Plant in clusters:
Group the chosen plants together in clusters or drifts rather than scattering them around. Clusters of flowers make it easier for hoverflies to locate and access nectar sources efficiently.
Provide a range of bloom times:
Include plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season to ensure a continuous supply of nectar and pollen. This will help attract hoverflies and support them throughout their life cycle.
Avoid pesticides:
Minimize or eliminate pesticides, particularly broad-spectrum insecticides, as they can harm hoverflies and other beneficial insects. Opt for organic and natural pest control methods to maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem.
Provide water sources:
Hoverflies, like other insects, need water for drinking and reproduction. Include shallow dishes or birdbaths with fresh water in your garden to provide a water source for them.
Create diverse habitats:
Incorporate a variety of plant heights and structures to provide hoverflies with different levels of shelter and breeding opportunities. Include native grasses, shrubs, and trees to create a diverse habitat that can support a range of insect species.
Minimize disturbance:
Native plants often provide suitable habitats and shelter for hoverflies during various stages of their lifecycle. They may offer foliage for egg-laying, provide cover for larvae, or offer protection from predators and extreme weather conditions.
Minimize garden maintenance practices that can disrupt hoverfly populations, such as excessive pruning or tilling. Allow garden areas to grow wild and provide natural habitats for hoverfly larvae.
By incorporating these strategies, you can create an attractive habitat for hoverflies and support their populations in the Pacific Northwest. Remember that it may take some time for hoverflies to discover and establish themselves in your garden, so patience is key.
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