White-clubbed Hoverfly

Scaeva pyrastri

Description

Wing length 9.5 - 12.5mm.  A fairly large, black hoverfly with white, club-shaped markings on its abdomen.

Habitat

Open grassland, meadows and gardens. The adults come to flowers, the larvae feed on ground-layer aphids.

Status and distribution

This species is not thought to be resident, but is a migrant from the continent, some years very few come. It is rare in Scotland but fairly common in England and Wales. It is uncommon in Nottingham and at Netherfield Lagoons, although 2011 was a good year for it, when good numbers were present.

Best time to see

May to November.

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - male - August 18th 2011

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - male - August 5th 2011

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - male - August 5th 2011

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - male - August 3rd 2015

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - female - August 5th 2011

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - female - May 30th 2020

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - female - July 18th 2023

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - female - July 31st 2024

  • White-clubbed Hoverfly - Scaeva pyrastri - male - September 15th 2024