Woolly apple aphid predator - hover flies (syrphids)

No studies have been conducted in New Zealand on the importance of hover flies as predators of woolly apple aphid. However, the larval stages are known to feed on woolly apple aphid overseas and it is probable that they contribute to aphid control in New Zealand. A range of hover fly species, including native species, occur in orchards, where they feed on a variety of aphids. Those hover flies which include woolly apple aphid in their diet are not known, and hover fly larvae have not been recorded from woolly apple aphid colonies. This suggests that their contribution to woolly apple aphid control is minor.

larva	adult