Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly

Eristalinus sepulchralis

Description

Wing length 6.5 - 8mm. This is a very dark hoverfly but the eyes are a pale green with dark purple spots scattered over them and are hairy. The thorax is marked in grey and black lines and the abdomen is metallic and can have some pale wedges on the first segment.

Habitat

Marshy areas, often around ponds with plenty of decaying plant material. Larvae develop in rotting vegetation in pools or wet dung.

Status and distribution

Widely distributed around lowland areas of Britain. Regularly found on flowers on the reserve.

Best time to see

June to August.

  • Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly - Eristalinus sepulchralis - female - August 23rd 2014

  • Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly - Eristalinus sepulchralis - female - August 23rd 2014

  • Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly - Eristalinus sepulchralis - female - June 16th 2013

  • Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly - Eristalinus sepulchralis - female - May 23rd 2013

  • Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly - Eristalinus sepulchralis - male - May 16th 2013

  • Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly - Eristalinus sepulchralis - female - May 20th 2018

  • Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly - Eristalinus sepulchralis - female - June 2nd 2018

  • Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly - Eristalinus sepulchralis - female - July 11th 2021