What is this?
December 25, 2009
We have never seen a bug like thin in NZ before. Any idea what it might be? It looks like a cross between a blow fly and a wasp. Any light you could share on it would be great. Thanks heaps
Paulo the wonderer
Auckland New Zealand
Hover Fly
Dear Paulo,
The ventral view of your photograph is not ideal for identification purposes, and a dorsal view is much preferred. We believe this is some species of Hover Fly in the family Syrphidae. You might try comparing the images on the Insects of Brisbane Syrphidae page to see if any look close to your specimen.
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Location: New Zealand
Hi Paulo – I found the exact same insect today in Chch 21/10/11 and have a link of what this is. A “threelined hoverfly” which are flies that pollinate flowers?!
see -http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biosystematics/invertebrates/invertid/bug_details.asp?Bu_Id=229
Thanks for the information. We will try creating an actual link for the site you provided
http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biosystematics/invertebrates/invertid/bug_details.asp?Bu_Id=229
Hi, we have just found in our house. what a great looking fly. we were worried that it may be a pest,
Hover Flies are beneficial insects.
Sorry, also in Christchurch New Zealand
I don’t see much for an ID, but my wife & I did catch & bring back quite a few similar flies that reminded us of bees from the far side of Lyttelton Harbour, that were sitting on a creek bridge hand-rail in the shade. (Christchurch – NZ) & some still breed at our place. They were easy to catch & we were informed by an entomologist that they were bee flies. Hope this helps.
Bee Flies are a different family. This is a Hover Fly in the family Syrphidae.
Today I found one of these on my flower I got a few photos 24/5/2015
You can send images by using our standard form at the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
We also has one come through the house today (chch) and our first thought was what is it? Like a fly yet a wasp detail. Have these always been in new Zealand? Truly amazing looking fly. Thankful for this great website!
Hover Flies are found in New Zealand.