An Examination of Hoverfly (Family Syrphidae) Diversity and Collection Methods in Georgia Apple Orchards

Hoverflies (Family Syrphidae), also known as flower flies or syrphid flies, are useful pollinating insects.   Hoverflies mimic bees in coloration (black and yellow color patterns), feeding preferences (nectar and pollen), and behavior. A survey of Family Syrphidae was performed from March to August 2014 at four apple orchards in North Georgia (6-8 collections per site).  A total of 346 hoverflies were collected.  Pan traps and malaise traps were used to sample the hoverflies.  At each site, 13 sets of pan traps (each set contained 1 UV yellow, 1 UV blue, and 1 white pan) and 1 malaise trap were used to sample hoverflies. The malaise traps collected 237(68%) hoverflies, while the pan traps collected 109 (32%) hoverflies.  Significant yellow color preference was detected. Yellow pan traps collected 95 (87%) hoverflies compared to only 3 (3%) hoverflies in blue pan traps and 11 (10%) in white pan traps.  Interestingly, yellow color preference is a common bee trait and not typical of flies which prefer blue and are repelled by yellow. Researchers estimate most states have between 100-200 species of hoverflies. A current species list does not exist in Georgia.  This initial survey in North Georgia identified over 40 different hoverfly species.