The hoverfly , also called the flower fly or syrphid fly , is a member of the insect family Syrphidae . As their name suggests, they are often seen hovering in flowers Adult hoverflies of many species feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae ( maggots ) feed on a variety of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs , feeding on decaying plants and animals on the ground or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids , thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.
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