Flies
Beneficial Critter

Flies

Common species

Robber Flies, Hover flies

Why they're helpful

Robber flies can help rid of garden pests such as grasshoppers, white grubs, and leafhoppers. Hover flies also help with pest hunting, specifically their larvae attack aphids. Adult hover flies also assist with polination.

Identification

These flies come in a variety of sizes. Robber flies are found low to the ground near plant stems. Many adult hover flies resemble bees in appearance.

How to attract

Robber flies prefer arid climates. Hover flies perfer weedy borders and plants that are filled with the aphids they consume. Some plants they are often found with include garlic chives, oregano, buckwheat, corriander, and dill.

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