Hoverfly
Pollinator
Hoverflies are harmless flower visitors whose adults pollinate while drinking nectar and eating pollen. Many species provide a second service: their larvae are eager aphid hunters. They are welcome garden allies around roses, beans, brassicas and fruit, where a small hoverfly population can help keep soft-bodied pests in check.
How to identify it
Adult hoverflies are usually 7-15 mm long and may be striped yellow and black, but others are brown, orange, metallic or bee-like. Unlike wasps, they have one pair of wings, large eyes and no sting; many hover characteristically in mid-air. Pale, legless larvae resemble tiny slugs and crawl among aphid colonies. Eggs are laid near prey, then larvae pupate before becoming adults. Look closely before assuming a striped insect is a wasp.
How it helps your garden
Adults move pollen between flowers, while larvae of many common species consume large numbers of aphids. This is especially useful on roses, broad beans, currants and young vegetable plants. Hoverfly larvae may also take small caterpillars, thrips or scale insects. Leaving aphid colonies for a short time can give their natural predators food and allow control to build.
How to attract it
Plant flat or open flower clusters that give easy access to nectar, such as alyssum, calendula, coriander, dill, fennel, yarrow, sweet cicely and ivy. Include RHS Plants for Pollinators and aim for flowers in every season. Let a few aphids remain where damage is slight, provide sheltered vegetation and damp patches, and avoid pesticides that kill adults, larvae and their prey.
Tips
Hoverflies cannot sting, even when their colouring resembles a wasp's. Check shoots for eggs and slug-like larvae before washing aphids away. Leave these larvae in place and avoid trimming every flower at once, so adults continue finding nectar and pollen.
Hoverfly: frequently asked questions
How does hoverfly help the garden?
Adults move pollen between flowers, while larvae of many common species consume large numbers of aphids.
How do I attract hoverfly to my garden?
Plant flat or open flower clusters that give easy access to nectar, such as alyssum, calendula, coriander, dill, fennel, yarrow, sweet cicely and ivy.
How do I identify hoverfly?
Adult hoverflies are usually 7-15 mm long and may be striped yellow and black, but others are brown, orange, metallic or bee-like.
General guidance for encouraging wildlife in UK gardens. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.