Description

Wing length 5.5 - 7.5mm. This is a dark hoverfly with a shiny thorax and a large pair of yellow spots on one segment of the abdomen and a pair of small spots on the next. The wings have a slight tint towards the forward edge.

Habitat

Marshy meadows and well vegetated ditches. Little is known about the biology of the larvae, but they are thought to feed on aphids.

Status and distribution

Widespread throughout Britain but uncommon. Recorded from several sites in Nottinghamshire and twice from Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to October.