Helophilus hybridus

Wing length 8.5 to 11.25 mm. In size and general appearance this species is similar to H. pendulus. The male is usually distinctive in having continuously broad yellow sides to tergites 2 and 3, whereas there is a dividing black bar near the posterior edge of tergite 2 in the female, and in both sexes of H. pendulus. The hind tibia of H. hybridus normally has the distal 2/3 black.

Helophilus pendulus, H. trivittatus and H. hybridus are all very similar. See Identification Aids below for help on separating these three species.

• the male has continuously broad yellow sides to tergites 2 and 3
• the hind tibia normally has the distal 2/3 black.

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Around pond and ditch margins where the water is shallow, and submerged grass grows on the blackish mud.

April to October with a peak in July and August.

Larvae have been observed feeding in the decaying rhizomes of Bulrush.

Widespread but sometimes local in Britain.

Local in Leicestershire and Rutland.