Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly, is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout the Palaearctic region, which covers Europe, North Asia, and North Africa. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the third and fourth dorsal plates and faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax. Its color patterns may appear wasp-like to other animals, such as birds, protecting it from predation.E. balteatus can be found throughout the year in various habitats, including urban gardens, visiting flowers for pollen and nectar. They often form dense migratory swarms, which may cause panic among people for their resemblance to wasps. It is among the very few species of flies capable of crushing pollen grains and feeding on them. The larva is terrestrial and feeds on aphids.
As in most other hoverflies, males can be easily identified by their holoptic eyes, i.e., left and right compound eyes touching at the top of their heads.

Episyrphus balteatus, commonly known as the Marmalade Hoverfly, is considered a garden pest because its larvae feed on aphids, which are harmful to plants. While the hoverfly itself is beneficial as a natural predator of aphids, its presence indicates the presence of aphid infestations in the garden.

garden pest

Episyrphus balteatus can be considered a crop pest because its larvae, known as hoverfly maggots, feed on aphids that infest crops. While the hoverfly itself is beneficial as a natural predator of aphids, high populations of hoverfly larvae can potentially cause damage to crops if aphid populations are not effectively controlled.

crop pest

Episyrphus balteatus is considered a pest because its larvae feed on aphids, which are harmful to plants in gardens and crops. While the hoverfly itself is beneficial as a natural predator of aphids, high populations of hoverfly larvae can potentially cause damage to crops if aphid populations are not effectively controlled.

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What are the common predators of marmalade hoverfly larvae?

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