I saw this hoverfly on a mamane flower near the top of Pu’u Wa’awa’a, which is one of my favorite places to hike. At first I thought it was a wasp or bee, which is what I’m supposed to think. Mimicking these insects may afford the hoverfly some protection from predators.

Allograpta obliqua is considered a beneficial insect since its larvae feed on aphids.

Many thanks to Daniel at whatsthatbug.com for help with the identification.