About Mountain Hover Fly
A furry, bumblebee-mimicking hover fly of alpine meadows. Its dense body hair helps it retain heat in cold mountain environments.
Did You Know?
Its convincing bumblebee mimicry deters predators despite being completely harmless.
How to Identify Mountain Hover Fly
Mountain Hover Fly (Arctophila superbiens) belongs to the order Diptera, family Syrphidae. Adults typically measure 10-14 mm body length.
Mountain Hover Fly Habitat
Mountain Hover Fly is found in meadows habitats, particularly across Northern Europe, Alps, Siberia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Mountain Hover Fly Diet and Feeding
Mountain Hover Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Mountain Hover Fly Found?
Mountain Hover Fly can be found in Northern Europe, Alps, Siberia, where it inhabits meadows environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Mountain Hover Fly can be found
Is Mountain Hover Fly Dangerous?
Mountain 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.
Mountain Hover Fly Role in Nature
Mountain Hover Fly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Hover Fly
What does Mountain Hover Fly look like?
The Mountain Hover Fly typically measures 10-14 mm body length.
Where is Mountain Hover Fly found?
The Mountain Hover Fly is found in Northern Europe, Alps, Siberia and typically inhabits meadows environments.
What does Mountain Hover Fly eat?
The Mountain Hover Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Mountain Hover Fly dangerous to humans?
The Mountain 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 Mountain Hover Fly?
Its convincing bumblebee mimicry deters predators despite being completely harmless.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Mountain Hover Fly (Arctophila superbiens). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/mountain-hover-fly
MLA:
"Mountain Hover Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/mountain-hover-fly.