What is this maggot-looking insect on the bottom of this strawberry leaf?
This is a hover fly larva. Hover flies (Syrphidae), also called syrphid flies, are common bee-mimicking flies that are often seen hovering around flowers and landing on your sweaty skin on a hot day (they’re attracted to the salt in your sweat). Not only is this diverse group important as pollinators, but their maggot-like immature stage are predators of many small soft-bodied insects. They are most commonly thought of as predators of aphids, but they will also feed on mites, whiteflies, thrips, and other small pest species. Research conducted in CA has shown that planting sweet alyssum flowers in organic lettuce fields will increase syrphid fly abundance, and consequently suppress lettuce aphids.
This week’s question is from Tom Bilbo, Extension Vegetable Entomologist.
The South Carolina Grower 
2 responses to “Question of the Week – Hover Fly Larva”
It would seem like this insect is a good thing to have around so just to be clear, do we have to worry about this insect for our Strawberries?
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You are correct. Hover flies are good insects and there is no need to be worried about them. Their presence does indicate the presence of aphids, though, so be sure to monitor for those. Usually, beneficial insects do a decent job of keeping aphids in check on strawberries.
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