Description

Wing length 6 - 9.5mm.  This is a dark species with a yellow face, legs and scutellum. The abdomen is black with diagonal yellow marks, almost making chevrons. The black thorax has two pale lines. The wings have a long, black stigma. There are two broods each year, the first brood being darker than the second brood.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. The larvae feed on aphids on trees and shrubs.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in Britain but less common as you go further north. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to November.