Wildlife

Hoverfly Conservation: Undervalued Pollinators Need Protection

Hoverflies are Britain second most important pollinators after bees but receive far less conservation attention.

Key Facts

UK has over 270 hoverfly species making them one of the most diverse insect groups
Some species migrate hundreds of miles from continental Europe to Britain each autumn
Hoverfly larvae have diverse ecologies including predators of aphids and aquatic filter feeders
Many species mimic bees and wasps as a defence against predators
Hoverfly populations are declining but monitoring is less comprehensive than bees

Welfare Considerations

Hoverfly welfare is affected by pesticide exposure, loss of flower-rich habitat, and aquatic pollution affecting larval stages. Species with aquatic larvae in polluted ponds and ditches face habitat loss through drainage and contamination. Insecticide use in agricultural areas kills adult hoverflies and reduces their prey. Emerging evidence suggests insects including hoverflies may experience nociception warranting welfare consideration.

What You Can Do

Plant diverse native flowering plants including umbellifers that hoverflies favour
Create shallow water features as breeding habitat for aquatic hoverfly larvae
Support the Hoverfly Recording Scheme surveys to improve population monitoring
Avoid pesticides near flowering plants used by hoverflies
Learn to identify common hoverfly species and submit records to local invertebrate groups