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Deep Look

How Hoverflies Spawn Maggots that Sweeten Your Oranges

Season 9 Episode 16

Oblique streaktail hoverflies zip from bloom to bloom wearing a wasp costume to avoid getting eaten. But it’s all for show – they don’t even have stingers! Their fierce maggots, on the other hand, devour hundreds of insect pests. As they gorge, they help keep orange trees safe from disease.

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