Natural Enemies of Aphids

Native and Naturalized
Predators
Parasitoids
Pathogens

Exotic Natural Enemies Under Review

Syrphid flies; hover flies; flower flies

The syrphid flies comprise a large family of common insects. The adult flies, which are mostly pollen and nectar feeders and commonly found on flowers, range in size from about 3/16" up to the size of a honey bee.

Most adults are colored yellow, orange, black, and/or brown and mimic bees and wasps (but do not sting and are harmless).

The larvae of some species are aquatic, but many are specialized aphid feeders; these are legless maggots, usually yellow to pale green, that are found amongst aphid colonies.

Syrphid fly larva Photo credit: Oregon State University Extension

Syrphid fly adult Photo credit: Oregon State University Extension