Description

Wing length 9 - 12mm. The neat, parallel bands of black and yellow on the abdomen, broadening on the margins, and the two pale stripes on the thorax, are the distinctive features of this hoverfly.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows where umbellifers are growing, especially Angelica. The larvae feed on aphids but have only been found on sycamore in Britain.

Status and distribution

Found throughout much of Britain but local and in small numbers. Found in wooded areas in Nottinghamshire and fairly regularly at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to October.