Subject: What is this insect?
Geographic location of the bug: Christchurch New Zealand
Date: 10/11/2019
Time: 08:58 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I’m unsure what this is, at first I thought it was a blowfly so I swatted it and then I noticed the yellow colouring on its back and was worried it may be a bee of some sort
How you want your letter signed: Isaac Thomas
Dear Isaac,
This is a harmless Three Lined Hoverfly, Helophilus seelandicus. According to Landcare Research: “Attracts attention because of its noisy flight. Important pollinator of flowers. Larvae are rat tailed maggots which live in liquid containing rotting plants or animals.”