Syrphid on Ceanothus Flowers

A hover fly on fragrant Ceanothus (California lilac) flowers. Hover flies, also called syrphids or drone flies, feed on nectar and pollinate the flowers. They are true flies although they look like small bees or wasps. They are beneficial against aphids, thrips, scale insectts and caterpillars. Hover flies are nearly as effective as ladybugs and lacewings at controlling aphids.

Nikon P1000

crop Photoshop