Kukkakärpäs

Kukkakärpäs is the Finnish common name for insects belonging to the family Syrphidae. These are small to medium-sized flies, often recognized for their resemblance to bees or wasps, a phenomenon known as Batesian mimicry. This resemblance is primarily due to their coloration, which frequently features yellow and black banding. However, unlike bees and wasps, kukkakärpäs do not sting.

The larvae of many kukkakärpäs species are predatory, feeding on aphids and other small insects that are considered pests in agriculture and gardens. This beneficial predatory behavior makes them valuable allies for plant health. Adult kukkakärpäs, on the other hand, are nectar and pollen feeders, and in the process of feeding, they act as important pollinators for a variety of plants.

These flies are common in diverse habitats, including meadows, gardens, forests, and agricultural fields, wherever flowering plants are present to provide food for the adults and their prey is abundant for the larvae. Their presence is often an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. The term "kukkakärpäs" directly translates to "flower fly" in English, reflecting their close association with flowers.