Marmalade Hoverfly

Episyrphus balteatus

This species can be seen throughout the year with numbers increased during the summer months by immigration. The thorax is shiny brown with light lines and the abdomen is orange with black markings. There are two black bands on segments three and four.

Bronze Sap Hoverfly

Ferdinandea cuprea

This species has a brassy coloured abdomen and two dark marks on each wing. It inhabits hedgerows and woodland from March to November where it is sometimes found basking in the sun.

Yellow-girdled Fleckwing

Dasysyrphus tricinctus

Frequents woodland edges from May to June and August to September. It visits yellow flowers such as Dandelions and Buttercups.

Yellow-tailed Hoverfly

Xylota sylvarum

Fairly common in woodland where its larvae inhabit beech tree roots. There are other similar looking Xylota, but this species is the largest and has obvious golden hair on the bottom of its abdomen. It flies from spring to autumn, peaking in June and July.

Two-banded Wasp Hoverfly

Chrysotoxum bicinctum

Wasp mimic usually found on hedgerows in sheltered grassy areas from June to August. Yellow bands on the body, brown wing markings and forward pointing antennae make this species fairly easy to identify.

Common Spotted Field Syrph

Eupeodes luniger

This common migrant is found in open habitats from May until September. It is characterized by hook-shaped markings along the centre of its abdomen.

Grey-backed Snout Fly

Rhingia rostrata

There are two British Rhingia species, the other being Rhingia campestris. Both inhabit woodland. This particular specimen was found on Yellow Iris growing at the side of Seven Kings Water. Rhingia rostrata has no dark edges on the abdomen and the legs are mainly orange. It visits flowers from April to September.

Hornet Hoverfly

Volucella zonaria

This big Hoverfly is sometimes mistaken for a Hornet. It does not sting. Black and yellow markings deter predators and clever mimicry allows this Hoverfly free passage into wasp nests where it lays eggs. The larvae overwinter in the nest and emerge in spring as adult hoverflies.

Hornet Hoverfly

Volucella zonaria

This big Hoverfly is sometimes mistaken for a Hornet. It does not sting. Black and yellow markings deter predators and clever mimicry allows this Hoverfly free passage into wasp nests where it lays eggs. The larvae overwinter in the nest and emerge in spring as adult hoverflies.