Small Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) Feeding on Pollen From a Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) Flower in Spring. Hoverflies Are Efficient Pollinators

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The larvae of this tiny hoverfly are predators feeding on aphids. This is the commonest of the Platycheirus genus. This picture shows an example the feeding behaviour of this group of insects. This individual is showing greater interest in the pollen rather than the nectar of the Wood Anemone. It is thought that hoverflies are the only type of fly that can digest pollen. Hoverflies are more efficient pollinators than bees.

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Size: 6000px × 4000px
Location: Torrington, Devon, England.
Photo credit: © John Insull / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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