Description

Wing length 8.5 - 11.5mm. A large, dark species, covered in brown hairs and with black antennae. One of the earliest hoverflies to emerge.

Habitat

Hedgerows, damp meadows, anywhere that thistles are abundant. The larvae develop in the lower part of the stems of Spear Thistle and Marsh Thistle. Can be seen at Netherfield Lagoons each spring, basking on the signpost beside the railway bridge.

Status and distribution

Distributed from England to Scotland but not in Wales or the West Country. Local in Nottinghamshire but a small population is regularly seen at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to May.