Verrall’s Wasp Hoverfly

Chrysotoxum verralli

Description

Wing length 8.5 - 10.5mm. A beautifully marked wasp-mimic. The black antennae are long and forward pointing. The black thorax has two pale longitudinal stripes and bright yellow markings along its sides. The scutellum is dark with a yellow border and the abdomen is black with markings in bright yellow and dusky yellow. The wing veins show a slight amber colour.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. The larvae feed on ant-attended aphids.

Status and distribution

Mainly a southern species with a constricting range. Can be fairly common at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

June to October.

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - female - 1st August 2016

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum verralli - female - July 15th 2012

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum verralli - female - July 15th 2012

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum verralli - male - June 17th 2012

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum verralli - male - June 17th 2012

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum verralli - male - June 17th 2012

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - Chrysotoxum verralli - male - June 17th 2012

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - male - 22nd June 2016

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - male - 22nd June 2016

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - male - 12th July 2016 - showing unusual pattern

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - male - July 14th 2021

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - male - June 29th 2023

  • Verrall's Wasp Hoverfly - male - August 6th 2023