Scientific name:  Syrphus Vitripennis

About:

This species is a very common species of hoverfly that is found in an abundance across Europe. The fact that this species is a hoverfly makes it easier to distinguish if its male or female as hoverfly males have their eyes meeting, where as the females have a larger space between their eyes.

Key Information:

Size: 7-10mm

Habitat: Woodland, Hedges , Grasslands

When to see: March to November

Family: Syrphidae

Order: Diptera

Biological rank: Species

Fun Fact: This species is considered useful in their early stages of life as they feed on small bugs such as greenflies

How to Identify:

This species is completely yellow with black patterns across their entire body. This species is very unique from most however there is one species it is almost identical to the common banded hoverfly. However they can be distinguished by the colours on their legs, female Syrphus Vitripennis have a mix of black and yellow across their legs where as the common banded hoverfly has completely yellow legs. Furthermore you can tell if the Syrphus Vitripennis is female or male by their eyes, the males have their eyes very close together where as the females have their eyes further apart.