Chrysotoxum cautum

Wing length 10 to 13mm. The abdominal pattern has very straight black bars which are interrupted well short of the edge. In both sexes the first antennal segment is shorter than the second and females have long dense hairs on the thoracic dorsum (as long as width of third antennal segment).

Despite being a large and boldly coloured hoverfly, care is required to separate Chrysotoxum cautum from other similar species.

Grassland in sunny areas, especially near to wood or scrub.

April to September with a peak in late May and June.

Widespread and fairly frequent in southern England and south Wales.

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland which is towards the northern edge of its range.