Flying insect identification - Ask Extension
The attached photos are of a small flying insect that appears to be a bee of some sort sitting on a fern frond. I used a macro lens on my camera to ca...
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Flying insect identification #880166
Asked August 04, 2024, 5:18 PM EDT
The attached photos are of a small flying insect that appears to be a bee of some sort sitting on a fern frond. I used a macro lens on my camera to capture it. My best guess is that it is 1/4" long and no more than 3/8". It did not stay long. The pinna of the fern, on which the insect is sitting is 1/2" long. No flowers. Can you identify this for me? Thank you for anything you can offer.
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
That is a type of flower fly that is a bee mimic.
They are beneficial helpers in our gardens who help to control pest insects such as aphids.
Here is our page on them:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/flower-fly/
Christine
They are beneficial helpers in our gardens who help to control pest insects such as aphids.
Here is our page on them:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/flower-fly/
Christine
