The American Hoverfly (Eupeodes americanus) is found throughout North America. The adult feeds on nectar while the larva feeds on aphids. The larva is very voracious and able to eat up to 300 aphids during its development.
The American hoverfly looks like a wasp/bee but does not sting. It is a strong flier. The adult is 9-12 mm long and has big dark red metallic eyes. His black body has yellow stripes. The wings are transparent and glossy.The eggs are oval and white. Because of a high cannibalization rate, Hoverflies prefer to spread-out their eggs. The larvae hatch after 2-3 days and look like small worms speckled with brown, green, white, and black. At its last stage, the larva measures almost 11 mm. The pupa is brown and oval.
Use hoverflies for prevention with the introduction of reservoir plants or as soon as the first aphids are detected. In summer, the hoverfly can be used with the parasitoid wasp Aphidius colemani and with the predatory midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza for more effectiveness.
The American hoverfly needs nectar for food. If you have pollen but no nectar, you can try supplementing with cotton swabs soaked in 2:1 water with honey or sugar and hung among the plants.
Tray containing pupae of Eupeodes americanus in perlite.
American Hoverfly arrive as pupae. Adults emerge after 3 to 5 days and they need to feed on nectar quickly. After a few days of feeding, the adults mate. Once fertilized, female hoverflies lay their eggs in aphid colonies.
Introduction | Quantity | Surface | Frequency | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Preventive (with reservoir plants + nectar) | 0,25 | per m2 | 14 days | 2 to 3 introductions |
Low curative | 0,50 | per m2 | 7-14 days | 2 to 3 introductions |
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