Description

Wing length 10 - 13mm. This hoverfly is a hive-bee mimic, looking much like a drone (male hive bee). The thorax and abdomen are dark brown, the abdomen with variable amounts of orange markings. The eyes have diagonal rows of hairs through the centre.

Habitat

The adults can be found on flowers almost anywhere. The larvae develop in rotting wet organic matter and have a long breathing tube extending from their abdomen tip (rat-tailed).

Status and distribution

Very common and widespread in Britain. Very common on the reserve.

Best time to see

Could be seen in any month. Peaks in August and September.