What is a hoverfly?
The hoverfly, also known as the “flower fly”, is a generalist pollinator that significantly improves the yield and quality of seeds and fruits. At Polyfly we offer two species: QUEENFLY® (Eristalis tenax),…
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What are hoverflies?
What is the difference between QUEENFLY® and GOLDFLY®?
Both are excellent pollinators, but they are adapted to different conditions to complement each other: QUEENFLY® (Eristalis tenax): is a robust hoverfly, similar to a bee. It is ideal for colder climate…
Read article →What is the ideal temperature to ensure the emergence of the adults?
The emergence time of the pupae depends on the ambient temperature: For QUEENFLY®, emergence takes between 5 and 10 days at 12 °C, and between 2 and 5 days at 24 °C.…
Read article →Do the hoverflies reproduce in the crop?
Although hoverflies can reproduce if conditions are favourable, our release programmes are designed to guarantee continuous and effective pollination through the populations introduced periodically, always ensuring an optimal number of active pollinators.
Read article →How long do adult hoverflies live?
Longevity in the crop depends on the species: QUEENFLY® lives around 4 weeks and GOLDFLY®, 2 to 3 weeks.
Read article →How can I tell if pollination is working?
A few days after placing the boxes you should be able to observe the adult hoverflies flying actively around the crop and visiting the flowers, especially during the central hours of the…
Read article →Can the hoverflies damage the flowers or the crop?
No, not at all. Unlike other more bulky or nervous pollinators, hoverflies are very docile and their foraging method does not damage the flowers or the plant structures. They are completely harmless…
Read article →Are the hoverflies dangerous?
Despite their resemblance to bees, Polyfly hoverflies are not dangerous at all. They look like bees, fly like bees and behave very similarly to them: this is a mimicry that allows them…
Read article →Is there any concern about hoverfly inbreeding during rearing?
The rearing protocols that Polyfly has developed over the years have a scientific basis. These ensure that the genetic lines put into reproduction follow a breeding plan that statistically minimizes the risk…
Read article →What is the impact of releasing hoverflies (flower flies) on the environment?
Hoverflies managed as pollinators are only released into an environment where they are already naturally present. QUEENFLY® and GOLDFLY® are natural pollinators that feed on pollen and nectar, and do not prey…
Read article →Do the hoverflies escape after their release in the open field?
Unlike bees or bumblebees, hoverflies are not social animals that return to a hive. By nature, they visit flowers to find pollen and nectar to feed on. Consequently, after their release they…
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