Scaeva pyrastri, common name the pied hoverfly, is a species of hoverfly.

These hoverflies are present in most of Europe, the Near East, the East Palearctic realm, the Nearctic realm, North Africa, and the Indomalayan realm. In the UK S. pyrastri is a migrant which arrives in some years in high numbers and in others is almost absent.

Distribution

Scaeva pyrastri can reach a length of 11–15 millimetres (0.43–0.59 in). This large distinctive fly has three pairs of white comma markings (lunules) on the abdomen, these are yellow on Scaeva selenitica.

The face is yellow, with reddish brown antennae. The eyes are covered with hair. Scutellum is brown yellow. The legs are red with a black base of the femur. The male's eyes do touch in the centre of the frons, while in the females they are separated.
The larvae are light green or sometimes pink, with a white dorsal longitudinal stripe.

Description

This species can be found in gardens, meadows and wasteland. Adults are common visitors to flowers of Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), but also of rape, honeysuckle and daisies. They fly from April to September, with the peak in July and August. The larvae feed on different aphid species. During the larval stages they may consume over 500 aphids.

Habitat and behavior

Scaeva pyrastri, commonly known as the hoverfly, is considered a garden pest because its larvae feed on aphids and other small insects that can damage plants, making them beneficial for gardens and crops.

garden pest

Scaeva pyrastri can be considered a crop pest because their larvae feed on aphids, which are known to damage crops by sucking sap and transmitting plant diseases. Therefore, their presence in large numbers can potentially impact crop health and yield.

crop pest

Scaeva pyrastri can be considered pests because their larvae feed on aphids, which can damage plants and crops by sucking sap and transmitting plant diseases, potentially impacting their health and yield.

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What does pied hoverfly eat?

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