Strawberry Pollinators - Flower Flies

 

All manner of flies are attracted to the early-season nutrition of strawberry flowers. Some of these insects are tiny enough to roam within the 5/8" flower realm.

Gonia sagax, Parasitic Fly

Others, seen eye to eye, look more imposing.

Bombylius major, Great Bee Fly

One species of fly hovers like a miniature hummingbird as it draws in nectar through a long proboscis. Its resemblance to a bumblebee must offer some protection from predators.

Platycheirus sp., - Sedgesitter Fly

The diverse Syrphid family known as the Hover Flies characteristically hold a stationary position in midair while deciding on their next move.

Syritta pipiens - Thick-legged Hover Fly

Strawberry flowers suit them perfectly because, like most flies, and unlike the bee fly, their sucking mouthparts cannot probe into tube-like corollas.

Anasimyia anausis, Moon-shaped Swamp Fly

In this pollination match, syrphid flies come into the world with a strong preference for white and yellow flowers.

Eupeodes americanus, American Hover Fly

Syrphid flies are frequent flower visitors to a wide range of wild plants, as well as agricultural crops, and are often considered the second-most important group of pollinators after wild bees. (Wikipedia)

Toxomerus marginatus, Margined Calligrapher

Their functional association with flowers adds delightful dimensions of form, flight, and pattern to the natural history observer's appreciation of microcosmic life.