Flower Flies

Hoverflies are sometimes called flower flies or syrphid flies. They make up the insect family Syrphidae and are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers. There are more than 40 species of syrphid flies in New Zealand found in a variety of habitats including agricultural paddocks and alphine zones. Coriander and tansy leaf are known to be particularly attractive to many species of adult hoverflies which feed on large quantities of pollen of these plants.

Home day today, a little gardening and some time chasing hoverflies, which was more challenging than first anticipated. Reasonably warm and calm which was rather pleasant after yesterday's wind.

Time to prepare tea, Tomato Prosciutto Chicken which is delicious!

Have an awesome weekend blippers :)

Edit: Cabbagetree has informed me that this hoverfly is Melangyna novaezelandiae, which is a native to New Zealand. It is a successful pollinator of a large range of plants that are both native and exotic to the New Zealand flora. This hoverfly forages with rapid movements followed by stationary periods, hence its inclusion as a hoverfly. M. novaezelandiae is widespread throughout New Zealand. Thank you Cabbagetree :)