DESCRIPTION: Up to 11.75mm in length. This typical member of the Syrphus complex has a yellow and black banded abdomen, a yellow face with a dusted thorax. The scutellum is yellow and the legs yellow and black, note the hind femur which is extensively black. The main identification features are the hairy eyes which are obvious in males, provided a hand lens is used, and less obvious in females. Microscopically the 2nd basal cell of the wing of both sexes is covered in microtrichia (microscopic hairs). BEHAVIOUR: This is one of the commonest species at Sallow catkins particularly early in the season. HABITAT: It is usually found around woodland or hedgerows. PERIOD: Late April to late September with a peak around April/May. |
