Rueppell’s Twist-tail

Sphaerophoria rueppellii

Description

Wing length 4 - 6.5mm. The abdomen is a little longer than the wings and the scutellum is bright yellow. The yellow stripes along the sides of the thorax do not continue past the wing bases. The abdomen is very slightly waisted.

Habitat

Grassy areas with flowers in field corners or on brown field sites. The adults feed on nectar and the larvae feed on aphids.

Status and distribution

Fairly common in southern Britain, particularly in coastal areas. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and recorded Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to October.

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - male - May 5th 2019

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - female - September 1st 2022

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - female - September 1st 2022

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - female - September 1st 2022

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - female - September 6th 2022

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - female - September 14th 2022

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - female - September 14th 2022

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - female - September 14th 2022

  • Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria rueppellii - female - September 14th 2022