Create a simple hoverfly lagoon

Hoverflies are important pollinators, and are among our prettiest insects. The grubs of some also perform vital roles as predators of aphids, while others have aquatic grubs that prefer to live in rot holes – small puddles full of rotting leaves that form in the forks of old trees.

These grubs have long, snorkellike ‘tails’ that allow them to breathe under the murky water, from which they gain their common name – rattailed maggots.

Breeding habitat for these delightful creatures can be provided by filling any waterproof container – such as a plastic milk carton chopped in half – with water and leaves. Provide a few protruding twigs for the full-grown grubs to climb up, as they pupate outside the rot hole. hoverflylagoons.co.uk