Description

Wing length 7 - 9mm. A dark species with, in the male, three pairs of small orange-yellow spots on its abdomen separated by broad black borders and, in the female, four pairs of larger pale yellow spots with less black between them. The front tarsi of the male are flattened into disks.

Habitat

A lowland hoverfly often along river valleys. Woodland edge and open scrub, the larvae are not well known but are assumed to feed on shrub layer aphids.

Status and distribution

Widespread and common across Britain but mostly confined to lowlands and valley floors. It is fairly common in Nottinghamshire and regularly seen at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to November.