Named after their distinctive flight pattern, these hovering heroes prove that bees aren’t the only pollinators hard at work in Australia.

Hover flies are masters of imitation and are often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their similar stripes and colours. They mimic the stinging motion of bees and wasps to scare predators. But don’t be fooled – despite the disguise, they’re completely harmless and sting-free.

Hover flies play a dual role in pollination and pest control. While adults feed on nectar and pollen, their larvae feed on aphids – a common garden pest that infest crops such as citrus and vegetables.

By keeping pest numbers down, they reduce the need for chemical pesticides and create a safer environment for bees and other pollinators .