Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly

Chrysotoxum bicinctum

Description

Wing length 7 - 10mm. A black hoverfly with two yellow bands on the abdomen and some yellow markings on the thorax. The wings have brown veins and darker smoking around the leading edge.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. The adults visit a wide range of umbelliferous and composite flowers. The larvae feed on ant-attended root aphids.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in the south, less common further north, although it does have a somewhat patchy distribution. Recorded from several sites in Nottinghamshire, including Netherfield Lagoons where it has become fairly regular.

Best time to see

May to September.

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - male - July 29th 2012

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - male - June 13th 2014

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - male - July 2nd 2016

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - male - July 1st 2019

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - male - July 1st 2019

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - male - July 7th 2021

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - male - July 13th 2023

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - male - July 13th 2023

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - female - June 20th 2016

  • Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum bicinctum - female - August 14th 2023