Broadcast Outage: We're investigating a broadcast transmission failure affecting the San Luis Valley from Antonito in the south to Salida in the north. We're working to resolve this issue. You can stream our live broadcast HERE or via the RMPBS+ App.

Stream live and on-demand content now on our new app:

RMPBS+

Donate

Help tell more stories in 2026 - make a year-end gift!

Deep Look show's poster

Science and Nature

How Hoverflies Spawn Maggots that Sweeten Your Oranges

See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Get a new perspective on our place in the universe and meet extraordinary new friends. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.

How Hoverflies Spawn Maggots that Sweeten Your Oranges

Season 9 Episode 16 | 4m 20s | CC

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.

share

Deep Look

Watch more episodes

Citrus Psyllids Bribe Ants With Strings Of Candy Poop

Researchers use invisible lasers, ghastly wasps and more trickery to protect orange groves

Australian Walking Stick Insects Are Three Times Weirder Than You Think

A twig is actually just one of many disguises for the Australian walking stick insect.

Flying Termites Take a Dangerous Journey to a New Life

Subterranean termites fly off in swarms, and then drop their wings to start new colonies.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Get trusted Colorado stories, programs, and events from Rocky Mountain PBS straight to your inbox.

Set Your Preferences >