Description

Body length 6 to 9mm. The top of the thorax is black and the reddish brown legs are banded with black. The head is white with some brown markings along the back edge. The eyes are brown and the antennae are reddish brown.

Habitat

Areas with plenty of spring flowers. The adults feed on nectar and parasitize Andrena mining bees such as A. scotica and A. hemorrhoa.

Status and distribution

Although the commonest in the Myopa genus it is not often recorded. Most records are restricted to the southern half of Britain, although there are a few from southern Scotland. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to July.