"There are “good flies” to be found, and the Syrphidae family (to which hoverflies belong) is one common example. It encompasses over 2,000 species and 600 genera, with hoverflies found on every continent (except Antarctica). These bee mimics are particularly beneficial in the garden because the larvae serve as predators and the adults serve as pollinators! While they can’t carry as much pollen on their bodies as bees, they visit more flowers and can travel greater distances. They like a variety of nectar-rich, high pollen-producing flowers, particularly those that bloom in spring and fall so you get early season and late season aphid control. Hoverflies prefer simple flowers (especially white and yellow varieties and clusters of tiny blooms) that provide easy access to food." Garden Betty https://gardenbetty.com/hoverflies/


As the seasons change, insects like the above Hoverfly are very busy in collecting the last pollen of the warm weather. Flower growth has already notably slowed down, and many leaves are starting to turn brown. The Zinnia above ("Raspberry Ripple"), however, is still her summer glory.

*****************

Meteorological autumn begins on Sunday, Sept. 1, followed by the arrival of astronomical fall at on Sunday, Sept. 22. Regardless of which date you consider the start of the new season, "AccuWeather's team of long-range forecasters has one word for the upcoming season: Warm"