Long Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria scripta
Description
The male is readily identifiable as its body is longer than the wings, though the pattern of black and yellow is variable with a darker form fairly frequent. Females however cannot be readily identified.
Habitat
Open grassland and urban wasteland.
When to see it
Found from April to November, peaking in July and August.
Life History
The larvae feed on ground-layer aphids. Migrants probably add to the British population in some years.
UK Status
Common over much of Britain, though less so in the north.
VC55 Status
Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.
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