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While enjoying my garden I noticed a variety of insects that I thought were wild bees. Blackberry flowers cascade over our fence and I took photos of them. The 'wild bees' were actually hoverflies, one of over 6000 species of hoverflies! Hoverflies are important pollinators and a 'farmer's best friend.' Their offspring eat aphids which are plant pests. While feeding on nectar and pollen the adults 'incidentally' pollinate the flowers. They are in the Syrphidae family and are exciting to watch hovering in place and zooming around in all directions. While they do not bite or sting, their looks vary widely and often mimic the colors of bees and wasps to scare off predators. Other differences include fly-like eyes with many segments and only one set of wings. Nature is fascinating!
