Hover larvae and greenfly

[LindaB]

I have a clump of geraniums that has as least 8 hover larvae on at the moment. I spotted one with a greenfly - I almost felt sorry for the greenfly watching this larvae writhing about with the greenfly in its mouth and flailing about. The greenfly shots are roughly 50% crop but the larvae is much less.

This is a hover larvae
http://www.pbase.com/lindabuckell/image/97396527.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lindabuckell/image/97396503.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lindabuckell/image/97396465.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lindabuckell/image/97396444.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lindabuckell/image/97396361.jpg

[Jay Lowery]

thats an aphid in its mouth, there bad so the hover larva is doing its job at pest control.

[LindaB]

Yeah thanks Jay - yes I know its doing its job, but its fighting a losing battle in our garden at the moment lol.

[racketman]

not sure i've seen a hoverfly larva, interesting that they are not dissimilar to Ladybird larvae talking of which it looks like some aphid-control will soon be in action in the grounds at work (Ladybird eggs):

http://www.pbase.com/image/97402955.jpg

[LordV]

Lovely shots Linda :)- My aphid outbreaks don't tend to last more than a week or two before something gets them all :)
Brian V.

[LindaB]

not sure i've seen a hoverfly larva, interesting that they are not dissimilar to Ladybird larvae talking of which it looks like some aphid-control will soon be in action in the grounds at work (Ladybird eggs):



Toby - there are different shapes of them, I have seen one which is smaller very smooth and almost see through.


Lovely shots Linda :)- My aphid outbreaks don't tend to last more than a week or two before something gets them all :)
Brian V.

Thanks Brian. Its the roses, covered in greenfly/aphids.

Linda

[Attic]

Nice find Linda, I have a few on my buddleia at the moment. ;)

[lcpete]

Very interesting series Linda I did not realise hover larvae ate greenfly
Pete

[LindaB]

Nice find Linda, I have a few on my buddleia at the moment. ;)

Thanks Alby - yes, its great we are seeing a lot at the moment - get ready for the next run of hovers ay :lol:


Very interesting series Linda I did not realise hover larvae ate greenfly
Pete

Thanks Pete - yes, thats why they are the gardeners friend :D and should be taken great care of lol.

Also, thats another reason why they do recommend that you arent too tidy in the garden - with all these little insects doing a great job, its easy to pull stuff up and clear stuff out, and you could be losing these little things at this stage and the next stage when they pupate on a leaf etc, they can be easily overlooked.

Linda

[Jay Lowery]

Lovely shots Linda - My aphid outbreaks don't tend to last more than a week or two before something gets them all
Brian V.

haha i know its funny to see them try then one day you look and theres only 2 or 3 left.