Description

Wing length 6 - 9.5mm. This is a fairly robust hoverfly with a horn-coloured snout. The thorax is grey with some darker stripes and the abdomen is orange with dark edges to the segments, although the amount of dark varies, and a dark median stripe.

Habitat

The adults like Ground Ivy, Bugle and other deep-throated flowers that their snouts allow them to reach. The larvae develop in cow-dung and possibly other forms of dung.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread, especially where cows occur. A vagrant on the reserve.

Best time to see

April to October.