Tiger Hoverfly

Helophilus pendulus

Description

Wing length 8.5 - 11mm. There are four buff stripes down the otherwise dark thorax. The abdomen is mainly orange-yellow with black markings and clear black divisions between the segments. The face has a black central stripe.

Habitat

The adults can turn up anywhere in search of flowers. The larvae develop in water, feeding on rotting vegetable matter around ponds and ditches.

Status and distribution

Very common and widespread in Britain. One of the commonest hoverfly on the reserve.

Best time to see

April to November.

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - male - September 5th 2014

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - male - June 24th 2011

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophelos pendulus - male - May 5th 2019

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female -September 29th 2011

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female - August 6th 2012

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female - May 5th 2019

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female - June 20th 2016

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female - June 20th 2016

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female -August 1st 2012

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female - September 11th 2011

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - pair - August 26th 2012

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female - May 14th 2014

  • Tiger Hoverfly - Helophilus pendulus - female - May 14th 2014