Blotch-winged Hoverfly

Leucozona lucorum

Description

Wing length 7.5 - 10mm. A black and white hoverfly with a dense ginger pile on the thorax. The wings have a large black blotch extending half way back from the centre of the forward edge. Normally a spring species, as they age the white patches of some tend to darken.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. The adults like to sit in sunny spots within areas of dappled shade. The adults feed from a wide range of flowers and the larvae feed on aphids in the ground layer or sometimes on herbaceous plants.

Status and distribution

Locally common with a widespread distribution in Britain. Common and widespread in Nottinghamshire and common at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to August.