Description

Wing length 10 - 12mm. A bright yellow and black insect, with a black thorax that has four buff stripes. The abdomen is mainly lemon yellow with black markings and the face is pale yellow, without a central stripe (sometimes it can have a pale reddish one). It is obviously larger and more brightly yellow than the previous two species.

Habitat

Can turn up on any part of the reserve. Seems to be very fond of thistle flowers. The larvae develop in rotting vegetation in water.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread. This species is also a migrant and can turn up one year and not the next. 2012 was a very good year on the reserve for this species with many insects seen.

Best time to see

May to October.