Scaeva selenitica

Wing length 10.5 to 12 mm. This is a large distinctive fly with three pairs of yellow comma markings (lunules) on the abdomen; these are white on Scaeva pyrastri. The commas on selenitica extend equally far forward at both the inner and outer ends.

It favours conifers.

March to November peaking July and early September.

Adults are often seen on flowers. The larvae feed on pine aphids.

Widespread but local - it is more common in southern England than elsewhere in Britain.

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.