About Arctic Hover Fly
A medium-sized hover fly with bold yellow and black banding that mimics a wasp. It is a skilled hoverer that can remain stationary in midair. Larvae are voracious predators of aphids on subarctic plants.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is an important pollinator in subarctic regions where honeybees are absent, visiting many northern wildflowers.
How to Identify Arctic Hover Fly
Arctic Hover Fly (Syrphus torvus) belongs to the order Diptera, family Syrphidae. Adults typically measure 9-13 mm.
Arctic Hover Fly Habitat
Arctic Hover Fly is found in tundra & arctic habitats, particularly across Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Arctic Hover Fly Diet and Feeding
Arctic Hover Fly is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is Arctic Hover Fly Found?
Arctic Hover Fly can be found in Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska, where it inhabits tundra & arctic environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Arctic Hover Fly can be found
Is Arctic Hover Fly Dangerous?
Arctic Hover Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Arctic Hover Fly Role in Nature
Arctic Hover Fly serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Arctic Hover Fly
What does Arctic Hover Fly look like?
The Arctic Hover Fly typically measures 9-13 mm.
Where is Arctic Hover Fly found?
The Arctic Hover Fly is found in Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska and typically inhabits tundra & arctic environments.
What does Arctic Hover Fly eat?
The Arctic Hover Fly is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is Arctic Hover Fly dangerous to humans?
The Arctic Hover Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Arctic Hover Fly?
This hover fly is an important pollinator in subarctic regions where honeybees are absent, visiting many northern wildflowers.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Arctic Hover Fly (Syrphus torvus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-hover-fly
MLA:
"Arctic Hover Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-hover-fly.