Flies in the family Syrphidae are commonly known as hoverflies, flower flies, or syrphid flies. As their common names suggest, they're often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and ot… (More on Syrphidae)