Book 29, Question 55
Why do hoverflies look like bees?
Hoverflies have yellow and black stripes like bees or wasps, but they have only two wings and cannot sting.
Their look scares away birds that think they're stinging insects, a trick called mimicry. They hover in the air like tiny helicopters. Adults sip nectar and pollinate flowers, while their larvae eat aphids. They're double helpers in the garden.
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Quick answers
Why do hoverflies look like bees?
Harmless flies and valuable pollinators, flower flies are incredibly convincing mimics of bees, wasps, and yellowjackets.
Source: mdc.mo.gov
More fun facts
- The coloration usually involves yellow, orange, or red plus black or brown, often with stripes or other patterns to mimic the warning coloration of bees or wasps.
- Syrphid flies are sometimes called flower flies or hoverflies.
- Hoverflies were also observed in orchards 2 to 4 weeks prior to the emergence of native bees and other pollinators.
- Adults tend to get confused with bees and wasps, but they lack a stinger or biting mouthparts and are considered harmless.
Sources: mdc.mo.gov, GGC, Sdstate
Questions kids ask
Can hover flies sting?
Hover flies may resemble stinging wasps or bees, but they are completely harmless and play multiple, beneficial roles, including pest suppression and pollination services.
Source: Sdstate