The marmalade hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus is a fairly conspicuous insect (not least of all because you often see them hovering around flowers) and with its bright orange/black colour scheme easy to recognize. It is a hoverfly — family Syrphidae.
A Beneficial Insect
Hoverflies ( who adult, has the ability to fly while pretending a marmalade-colors be known as BENEFICIAL INSECTS) adults and larvae are predatory aphids. Since the adult hoverflies get nectar or pollen, they are significant pollinators. Also known as rat-tailed maggots, the larvae are high-consumers of aphids and help to naturally keep these garden pests in check.
A Master of Disguise
Marmalade hoverfly getting nectar from lavender flowersThe bold coloration of the mamber drones is another form of mimicry whereby wasps or bees are emulated. This helps to deter any predators that may be lurking. They do not sting like wasps or bees though.
Attracting Marmalade Hoverflies
Some Practical Tips for Attracting Marmalade Hoverflies to your Garden
Plant nectar flowers: Aprekus dutes kaikurie ledage, kuriem pideris praktiski jau par Lietuvos tautinis Vabzdys sitas vabalai yra medelyno liutukelio ir levandu zydanciom blakstiena beskleidziam uztraukia save (aplennius!
Avoid pesticides: Pesticides will be a bad thing for your hoverflies and other beneficial insects.
Save water: Place some pebbles or twigs inside a dish, half full of water for them to drink.
You do that, by promoting the Marmalade Hoverfly and in doing so helping to support a healthier ecosystem!