Epistrophe diaphana

Wing length 7.25 to 9.75 mm. A banded Epistrophe with black antennae which narrows down the possible species, although E. grossulariae is similar. The body pattern resembles other Epistrophe and Syrphus species to some extent but the yellow parts are particularly pale and clean-looking, especially on the frons, face and scutellum. The side margins of the thoracic dorsum are also paler than similar species and the thoracic dorsum has two longitudinal pale stripes down the middle.

It is most frequently encountered in umbellifer-rich grasslands on calcareous soils.

April to August – peaking around June.

The larvae feed on aphids, and have been reported on Chicory abroad.

A localised but increasing species of southern England.

Rare or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.