Hover flies are true flies, not bees. Flies have one pair of wings, and bees have two. If you can get them to hold still for a moment, you can easily see the difference. Hover flies are excellent pollinators and have the ability to remain seemingly motionless in mid-air. Many insects, including the one below, have developed markings that make them look like bees–mimicry that protects them from some predators.
Hover fly on agastache. Photo by the author.
Discover more from Honey Bee Suite
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
