One of the pollinators that I’ve been seeing lately that I was not familiar with is the pretty little northern plushback (Palpada vinetorum). It’s a type of hoverfly that is found in the eastern United States and Texas. It’s especially common in coastal or near coastal areas. The adults feed on nectar and prefer to go directly onto or into the corolla of the flower. The hairs that they have on their backs and legs pick up a lot pollen and makes them highly efficient pollinators. These flies are completely harmless and don’t bite or even pay much attention to people. These two flies were feeding in a bunch of blackjack flowers, but I’ve been seeing quite a few of them in the blackberries and the phlox as well. I’m glad I’ve gotten to see and identify these guys and I look forward to seeing more of them as spring progresses.