Description

Wing length 10.5 to 12mm. A fairly large hoverfly, very like S. pyrastri, but with yellow markings on the abdomen.

Habitat

Pine woods and heathlands. The larvae feed on pine aphids. It can be very mobile and turn up in unexpected places (like the lagoons).

Status and distribution

Uncommon but widely distributed with a bias towards southern Britain. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire but only recorded twice at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to November.