Epistrophe eligans
Description
This species can be quite variable in the extent of the yellow striping on its abdomen, some specimens, particularly males, being nearly all black; however the overall pattern is usually similar.
Identification difficulty
Habitat
Hot, sunny woodland edges and hedgerows, favouring Blackthorn and Hawthorn.
When to see it
Mainly a Spring species with most observations between April and June, peaking in May.
UK Status
It is widespread throughout most of Britain though more scarce in the north.
VC55 Status
Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.
 Donkey Lane Sapcote SP 4858 9298 (taken 3.5.2009).JPG)
Graham CalowSapcote03 May 2009female
David NichollsAylestone Meadows27 April 2007male
David NichollsAylestone Meadows27 April 2007female
David NichollsPrestwold Natural Burial Ground08 May 2008
David NichollsAbbey Park, Leicester20 May 2011male
Karaokeking06Wigston Garden20 July 2015Hoverfly larvae on leaf
 Donkey Lane Sapcote SP 4858 9298 (taken 3.5.2009).JPG)
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015
UK Map
HAPeacockGilroes Cemetery Extension24 April 2012
David NichollsWatermead Country Park07 April 2011female
David NichollsCroft Hill12 May 2011
HAPeacockLeicester Garden07 May 2012
Karaokeking06Wigston Garden20 July 2015Hoverfly larvae on Apple leaf
Graham CalowSapcote11 April 2014
David Nicholls20 Acre Piece NR28 May 2010
HAPeacockGilroes Cemetery Extension24 April 2012
HAPeacockLeicester Garden07 May 2012
Graham CalowSapcote22 May 2013
Jonesboy1broughton astley23 April 2017
Annie SmithClarendon Park garden31 March 2017
Mike HiggottCounty Hall19 April 2017male
Annie SmithClarendon Park garden30 April 2018
