DESCRIPTION: Wing length 6.5 - 9mm. An early flying species with males particularly dark with the markings confined to 2 triangular spots on T2 and a fine yellow band on T3. Females are more brightly coloured and has large spots or bars on tergite 2 and 2 narrow bands on T3 and T4. This is a variable species though so care needs to be taken. BEHAVIOUR: Males form swarms competing for the sunniest spot. This species is always near flowering shrubbery and usually times its peak with flowering Hawthorn. DISTRIBUTION: Found throughout Britain, especially in the south, but absent in the far north. HABITAT: Gardens, woodlands and hedgerows. PERIOD: March to May.
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