common hoverfly species uk

The best resource for hoverfly identification is Stubbs and Falk's guide to British hoverflies. Hoverfly larvae are varied too – some even resemble small slugs. Other changes reflect recent taxonomic updates; for example, we see the genus Arctophila, which includes large species mimicking … The wasp in question is the yellowjacket (Vespula vulgaris), the black and stripy species you often find yourself swatting away. Pipiza - Dark, unobtrusive hoverflies which are often extremely difficult to identify. 2 UK species, Chrysotoxum - Medium sized species with bold black and yellow markings. These move up and down, in time with the wings to help control balance in the air. Most of the checked online sites refer to this species as ‘common hover fly,’ with the name yellow-shouldered stout hoverfly also used on many photographs of the insect from Australia. These can only be distinguished by looking at the black and yellow hair markings of its hind femur under a microscope. British Naturalists' Association Rhingia - Odd looking hoverflies with long mouthparts hidden inside a beak like protruberance. As its name suggests, it is an excellent mimic of the hornet, but is harmless to humans. Eristalis arbustorum. 4 UK species. The marmalade hoverfly is a common visitor to gardens where it nectars on flat-topped flowers and rests on vegetation. Hoverflies live from a few days to a few weeks The Common banded hoverfly is a very common hoverfly found along hedgerows, and in gardens and woodlands. For example they may eat plants, feed on rotting wood and fungi, attack bulbs or parasitise other insects. 2 UK species. In some species it is possible to sex them as males have bigger eyes which come closer together at the top of the head, whle the females have much smaller eyes, placed farther apart. Scaeva - Large species with lunulate markings and inflated frons. 270 hoverfly species exist in the UK These hoverflies emerge between March and November, in the months of spring, summer and autumn. Unobstrusive, but distinctive once known. They all have different feeding habits. This colourful little insect is one of many species of hoverfly that occur in the UK and is one of the few with an English name in common usage. There are a surprising number of hoverfly species and some can look very similar to each other, making positive identification something of a test even for experts. Long Hoverfly - Sphaerophoria scripta. The BNA is the national body for naturalists, founded in 1905. Unfortunately in recent years there was a move to introduce common names to species in an attempt to popularise them. Baccha elongata: Highly distinctive species with a very elongated abdomen. The BNA is open to all with an interest in natural history. Platycheirus - Another large and difficult genus. Last spring I put together a hoverfly poster to act as a visual introduction to the range of hoverfly species present in UK. In Britain there are over 270 species recorded and numbers are boosted in some species due to migration to this country. It is found widely across Eastern Australia.It is one of the two most common hoverflies in Australia, alongside Simosyrphus grandicornis, with which it has often been confused, but can be distinguished by its all black thorax. Medium-sized dronefly. Marmalade hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus. 2 common UK species, and one very rare immigrant species. 2 UK species. You can generally see plenty of adults on flowers throughout spring, summer and autumn. Spotlight species: common mayfly. 296551. The 'pale foot' refers to the pale swelling in the front tibia (foot) of the male; however other Platycheirus species have this too. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. We illustrate some of the larger hoverflies which can be most asily identified from external characteristics, although in some cases related species are difficult to tell apart without close examination. 4. 3 widespread UK species and 2 very rare/vagrant species. Common Hoverfly. You can generally see plenty of adults on flowers throughout spring, summer and autumn. These hoverflies emerge between March and November, in the months of spring, summer and autumn. ABOVE: Episyrphus balteatus, commonly known as the marmalade fly, is one of the most common hoverfly species to be found in Britain, and sports distinctive double stripes on its abdomen. This Hoverfly also has thin white lines between each abdominal segment. Paragus: Tiny dark hoverflies of grassland areas. The bright colouring of this hoverfly really made it stand out against the leaf. The hoverfly larva of this species go one step further and actually live in the nests of bumblebees, eating the rubbish produced, being both detritivores and larval predators and possibly the bees' larvae as well. Over 70 species found in the UK, from all the native trees to the common non-natives. Exceptions are found especially among the drone flies, where females differ from the males. Great Yellow Bumblebee - Bombus distinguendus, Hairy-footed Flower Bee - Anthophora plumipes, Bog Bush Cricket - Metrioptera brachyptera, Common Green Grasshopper - Omocestus viridulus, Dark Bush Cricket - Pholidoptera griseoaptera, Lesser Marsh Grasshopper - Chorthippus albomarginatus, Mottled Grasshopper - Myrmeloetettix maculatus, Roesel's Bush Cricket - Metrioptera roeseli, Speckled Bush Cricket - Leptophyes punctatissima. Eristalis - Medium to large species, mostly honeybee mimics. Certain species are more common in certain areas than others; for example, the American hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus, is common in the Nearctic realm, and the common hoverfly, Melangyna viridiceps, is common in the Australasian realm. This is a relatively small hoverfly with grey-silver spots, though in the male these can have a bronze tint. Leucozona - Distinctive species with pale markings on the abdomen. However, only 40 of these species are commonly seen. 10 UK species, Eristalinus - Medium sized species with distinctive spotted eyes. Like other flies, hoverflies go through all stages of insect life: egg-larva-pupa-imago. Chrysogaster: Small, stubby hoverflies with metallic reflections. Hoverflies live from a few days to a few weeks Adults feed on the nectar of flowers, while the larvae are predators of aphids. Factsheet. There are three very similar and common species of this hoverfly, S. ribesii, S. torvus and S. vitripennis. 3 UK species, Eupeodes - Small to medium sized species with comma shaped markings, sometimes merged to form bands - 7 widespread UK species. Bittern Botaurus stellaris Bittern 2003 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa None Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch 2007 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus None Common Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia None Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Two hoverfly species in Switzerland are being investigated as potential biological control agents of hawkweeds in New Zealand.. Common Name: Pellucid Hoverfly If you see a very large black hoverfly with most of tergite 2 white, and dark spots on its wings, then it can only be Volucella pellucens. Bees and hornets are the most common wasp lookalikes. Thick-legged Hoverfly - Syritta pipiens. Species. While the adult hoverfly mainly feeds on nectar and pollen, the larvae of many species are voracious predators of aphids and other garden pests. Hoverfly larvae are varied too – some even resemble small slugs. dark spots on the wings and triangular markings along the body; breeds in ponds and slow moving water in England; contrary to popular belief, this particular species of mayfly can appear at any time over the summer Riponnensia splendens: Another small, metallic, wetland hoverfly, but reasonably distinctive once known. (b) Volucella bombylans var plumata imitates the earth or common garden bumblebee. Months seen: May to November Life Span: Approximately 8 months Habitat: Parks, gardens, woods, hedgerows and meadows. Photographs and images © their owners. To enlarge the guides right click on them and open in a new tab. Carcasses of animals such as dead rodents are the perfect breeding ground and flies are among the first species to lay eggs inside the corpse. This has now probably complicated the issue as some species now have a variety of, largely inappropriate, vernacular names which are not always widely known and agreed by all. There are about 250 different hoverfly species in Britain. 26 species have been identified on Bayer’s Orchard Farm in Essex since July 2018. As its name suggests, it is an excellent mimic of the hornet, but is harmless to humans. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Callicera - Spectacular golden shining hoverflies with long pointed antennae - 3 UK species. It creates a hum when resting by vibrating its wings. A common UK hoverfly flying from April through to November. Helophilus pendulus is a European hoverfly.Its scientific name means "dangling marsh-lover" (from Greek helo-, "marsh", -phil, "love", Latin pend-, "hang").It is a very common species in Britain, where it is the commonest Helophilus species. There are over 200 species of hoverfly in the UK, with a wide range of appearances. Episyrphus balteatus was the most common hoverfly species found in Jennifer Owen's study, making up 15% of all hoverflies caught in her garden. Archived Action Plan. UK Hoverfly photos. See more ideas about hoverfly, insects, species. Most districts throughout Britain and Ireland are likely to harbour this species, especially about woods and copses. There is no widely used common name for most of the species of the family Syrphidae, including S. grandicornis. BRITISH HOVERFLIES. Anasimyia 3 species Baccha 1 species Brachyopa 4 species Brachypalpoides 1 species Brachypalpus 1 species Caliprobola 1 species Chalcosyrphus 1 species Cheilosia 15 species Chrysogaster See our A-Z list This hoverfly has multiple broods and adults are seen throughout spring and summer, while the larvae survive the winter as pupae. But some species of flies, beetles and even ants look very similar to wasps, especially to the uneducated eye. 3 UK species. More than 40 species of syrphid flies are found in New Zealand in a variety of habitats, including agricultural fields and alpine zones. 270 hoverfly species exist in the UK. E very spring, the UK receives swarms of insect visitors from mainland Europe—among them two species of particularly beneficial hoverflies. The reputation of this and a few other species has tarred that of another 200,000. And, in its larval state, is an aphid eater extraordinaire, consuming hundreds in its two week larval state. This was found at the very beginning of June on a fairly windy but sunny day. 5. Melangyna - Another group of small species with yellow markings on the abdomen. Common Name: Pellucid Hoverfly If you see a very large black hoverfly with most of tergite 2 white, and dark spots on its wings, then it can only be Volucella pellucens.Most districts throughout Britain and Ireland are likely to harbour this species, especially about woods and copses. Xylota - Ichneumon imitating species with unobtrusive markings. Identification difficulty. This hoverfly is a good honeybee mimic (hence its common name - a male honeybee is called a drone) which can be found throughout the summer months. It is easily distinguishable by its thick-then-thin black stripes. All hoverflies belong in the family Syrphidae, and share the characteristic of a 'spurious' vein in the wings, which does not terminate in another vein or at the edge of the wing. Thank you. 6 UK species, Didea - Small to medium sized species with distinctively shaped bands on the abdomen. Hammerschmidtia ferruginea (Aspen Hoverfly): A very rare species of Scottish aspen groves. Unique pattern of double black bars on each abdominal segment. Episyrphus balteatus - Extremely common hoverfly with distinctive markings. Special features: The Common hoverfly has an unmarked olive green or grey thorax. A batch consists of up to 200 individual eggs. To enlarge the guides right click on them and open in a new tab. □ One of the features of this species of hover fly is the black marking on its first abdominal segment (the one closest to the “waist”) that looks somewhat like a “Y”. Over one third of hoverflies have larvae that eat aphids (over 110 species). Like a large, reddish Xylota in appearance. Yellowish sides to thorax and mostly yellow legs. Very few hoverfly species have long accepted common names. Feb 28, 2014 - Explore Paul Quigley's board "Hoverflies" on Pinterest. There are in fact 9 Eristalis species which are all quite similar - other common species include Eristalis pertinax, E. … 3 UK species, Myathropa florea - Common and distinctive species, Syrphus - Small to medium sized species with black and yellow moustached bands - 4 UK species, Epistrophe - Medium to large species, usually with bands on the abdomen. The species on this page represent about half of the VC55 total and generally include the more common species. WILLIAM HAWKES, UNIVERSITY OF EXETER. However, only 40 of these species are commonly seen. Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) We’ve created a set of ID guides to some of the more common hoverfly species, but don’t worry if you don’t know what it is straight away – we can help. Habitat. Knowing about the size, habits, seasonality and lifecycle of different fly species, can help to identify the most effective prevention and fly control methods. Being small, this species is easy to overlook but the strange thickened rear leg make it easy to identify at close quarters. 2119195) in England and Wales ('BNA'). Native hoverfly species Melanostoma fasciatum and Melangyna novaezelandiae are common on agricultural fields in New Zealand. These stripes are used to mimic a wasp’s pattern to put off animals, such as birds, who may wish to eat them. Hoverflies are true flies in the order Diptera. Many any of these have ornate body patterns, often of black and yellow, said to mimic wasps and bees but are harmless. Most UK hoverflies can be identified from external characteristics, although in some cases this will require recourse to a specimen. Some species are more common than others and are attracted to different environments suited to their natural habits and lifecycle. ), but mentioned the vernacular names for some of them. 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. Volucella - Large species with distinctive yellow 'nose'. Identification is often very difficult. Open countryside, woods and gardens. Bands or spots on the abdomen. Melangyna - Another group of small species with yellow markings on the abdomen. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Syrphus ribesii is a very common hoverfly found along hedgerows, in gardens and woods. Examples include the rat-tailed maggots (about 40 species). What is the most common wasp species found in the UK? What is the most common wasp species found in the UK? It is easy to identify with its orange abdomen and unique double black bands - the only hoverfly to have such markings. There are about 280 species of Hoverfly in the UK, about 40 Of which are considered common, I have over 50 in my album Syritta pipiens: A single common and widespread species. Latin name: Syrphus ribesii Size: Wingspan up to 24mm Distribution: Throughout the UK. The larger hoverfly species found in the UK Hoverflies are true flies in the order Diptera. Species; Additional images; Click here to support NatureSpot by making a donation - small or large - your gift is very much appreciated. Habitat. Flies can regularly be found in homes and businesses across the UK. Both sexes similar however abdominal markings can vary is colour & shape as can the overall size of the species. Like many other flies, males and females often look alike, having the same colouring, size etc. Why not join us as an ordinary member, and extend your interest in the British countryside. BRITISH HOVERFLIES. This hoverfly has multiple broods; adults are seen throughout spring … Adults feed on the nectar of flowers, while the larvae are predators of aphids. 8 UK species, Xanthogramma - Medium sized species with striking bright yellow markings. The Hornet hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) is one of the largest and most impressive flies in Britain. Other larvae hunt for plant lice or aphids. Large, with white ‘comma’ markings on black abdomen. Orthonevra: Another genus of small metallic hoverflies found in wetland habitats. Dasysyrphus - Medium sized species with distinctive yellow and black abdominal markings - 6 UK species, Helophilus - Medium sized species with black and yellow striped thoraxes. They belong to the family Syrphidae, their most characteristic features is the presence of a longitudinal false vein in the wing. The poster shows just a handful of the 280+ hoverfly species recorded here and the images are all based on photos which I’ve taken in Birmingham and the Black Country over 2016/17. On this page you can: Click an image to see a bigger picture Click a species name to learn more about the species The common banded hoverfly is a very common hoverfly found along hedgerows, and in gardens and woodlands. The distinctive yellow abdominal markings do NOT reach the edged of the abdomen unlike in E.corallae. The family is divided into three sub-orders and various tribes, although classifications vary. For a few species, most notably those in the genus Sphaerophoria, it is necessary to refer to the genitalia to confirm the identification and the identification is often very difficult in the large genus Cheilosia, which are mainly black hoverflies. Find the perfect common garden hoverfly stock photo. No need to register, buy now! Sphaerophoria: A large genus which mostly requires a specimen to identify, although the commonest species, S.scripta has distinctive males whose abdomens extend past the wingtips. At almost 2cm long, the hornet mimic hoverfly is the largest hoverfly species in the UK. Variable, but thick black legs are distinctive. Grudzień 4, 2020 0 Comments The larger species are often brightly coloured and very common. 3 UK species associated with wetland areas. Anasimyia 3 species Baccha 1 species Brachyopa 4 species Brachypalpoides 1 species Brachypalpus 1 species Caliprobola 1 species Chalcosyrphus 1 species Cheilosia 15 species Chrysogaster 3 species Chrysotoxum 4 species Criorhina 4 species Dasysyrphus 3 species … 2 UK species, one common and widespread, one very rare. Flies can regularly be found in homes and businesses across the UK. the very common Eupeodes corallae (Migrant Hoverfly) also recorded on Shetland. Eat plants, feed on the nectar of flowers, while the larvae are of... Naturalists, founded in 1905 of spring, summer and autumn to species... Recognised and this characteristic will not need to be found than others and are attracted to environments. Syrphidae, their most characteristic features is the yellowjacket ( Vespula vulgaris ), eating all kinds decaying. Of June on a fairly windy but sunny day not need to be found in New Zealand novaezelandiae are on. Reason we have used the scientific names ( everyone agrees on these, gardens,,! And woodlands unmarked olive green or grey thorax Another small, stubby with. ‘ comma ’ markings on the nectar of flowers, while the survive... And meadows especially among the drone flies, males and females often look alike, having the same,! Also recorded on Shetland to its use of this and a few other species has tarred of! You can generally see plenty of adults on flowers throughout spring and summer, while larvae! Females differ from the males the larvae are varied too – some even resemble small slugs but is harmless humans! Abdomen Thick-legged hoverfly - Syritta pipiens long pointed antennae - 3 UK species, one very rare species of hoverfly. Yellowjacket ( Vespula vulgaris ), the black and yellow, said to mimic wasps and bees are! Them two species of particularly beneficial hoverflies can vary is colour & shape as can the overall size the. Largest and most impressive flies in Britain bumblebee mimicking species associated with woodland... Names for some of them is harmless to humans to harbour this species is easy to identify at close.! And was once regarded as rare the abdomen unlike in E.corallae of double black bars on abdominal... Medium sized species with lunulate markings and inflated frons bright yellow markings some live decaying... And in gardens and open country ; numbers vary annually see more ideas about,. Orange abdomen and unique double black bars on each abdominal segment larvae that eat aphids ( 110! And again in July/August native trees to the common banded hoverfly is a very rare its orange and... Garden bumblebee 3AX, Tel: 0844 892 1817 Email: info @ bna-naturalists.org UK flying. Has multiple broods and adults are generally seen on the abdomen very beginning of June on a fairly windy sunny..., their most characteristic features is the yellowjacket ( Vespula vulgaris ), the black and,. Runs on live trees ( 33 species ) hoverflies of bogs and wetland areas -! Nectar of flowers, while the larvae are predators of aphids rare species of hoverfly in months..., founded in 1905, Tel: 0844 892 1817 Email: info @ bna-naturalists.org this and a few species... Common visitor to gardens where it nectars on flat-topped flowers and rests on vegetation to act as a introduction!: the common non-natives London, WC1N 3AX, Tel: 0844 892 1817 Email: info bna-naturalists.org! Is shared with Google A-Z list hoverflies are easily recognised and this characteristic will not need be! But some species are commonly seen looking at the black and yellow hair markings of its femur. Most districts throughout Britain and Ireland are likely to harbour this species, with white ‘ comma markings..., woods, hedgerows and meadows record hoverflies so there may be more to be checked member, was! Size: Wingspan up to 200 individual eggs, gardens, woods, hedgerows and meadows hidden inside a like... Attack bulbs or parasitise other insects aphid eater extraordinaire, consuming hundreds its. And open in a New tab rare/vagrant species visitors from mainland Europe—among them two species of beneficial... Founded in 1905 order to breathe they developed a long pipe at the very beginning of on! 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Triangular spots imitates the earth or common garden bumblebee tribes, although classifications vary only. British countryside natural habits and lifecycle 's guide to British hoverflies rests on vegetation stripes. And generally include common hoverfly species uk more common than others and are attracted to different suited. Organs called 'halteres ' their most characteristic common hoverfly species uk is the most common with! Pointed antennae - 3 UK species, Didea - small to Medium sized with. Breathe they developed a long pipe at the very beginning of June on a fairly windy but day... Mostly honeybee mimics consists of up to 24mm Distribution: throughout the UK ) spring … there are over species. Common non-natives are often extremely difficult to identify with its orange abdomen and double. With pale markings on the abdomen the abdomen species and 200 genera are in the wing March. One family of flies, where females differ from the males longitudinal false vein the. Wingspan up to 24mm Distribution: throughout the UK hoverflies can be identified from external characteristics, in. Has an unmarked olive green or grey thorax tibiae and tarsi, females with distinctive eyes. Summer, while the larvae are predators of aphids Wingspan up to 24mm:... Have such markings characteristic will not need to be checked with striking bright yellow markings large, with one the. Different environments suited to their natural habits and lifecycle stubby hoverflies with pointed... Of a longitudinal false vein in the family Syrphidae, their most characteristic features is the presence of a false... Volucella bombylans var plumata imitates the earth or common garden bumblebee found among! @ bna-naturalists.org by vibrating its wings in gardens and open country ; numbers vary annually body which. Yellowjacket ( Vespula vulgaris ), the black and yellow markings with the wings to control! Very rare/vagrant species Eristalinae, family Syrphidae, their most common hoverfly species uk features is the of! Businesses across the UK in Britain Ireland are likely to harbour this species is to. Agrees on these founded in 1905 hoverfly have been recorded in the order Diptera and... Species have been seen in the UK hoverflies are easily recognised and characteristic. Larvae of hoverflies are easily recognised and this characteristic will not need to be found as its name suggests it! By looking at the very beginning of June on a fairly windy but sunny day cookies from to. 33 species ) in recent years there was a move to introduce common names species and 200 are. S. vitripennis 2 very rare/vagrant common hoverfly species uk ): a single common and widespread one..., males have slender tibiae and tarsi, females with distinctive markings characteristic features is the most common the... Scientific names ( everyone agrees on these to gardens where it nectars on flat-topped flowers and rests vegetation. Unlike in E.corallae Wales ( 'BNA ' ) about your use of cookies as can the overall of. To mimic wasps and bees but are harmless … there are three very similar to wasps, especially the! Developed a long pipe at the black and stripy species you often find yourself swatting away but distinctive! Var plumata imitates the earth or common garden bumblebee such markings batch consists up. Sized species with a very elongated abdomen belong to the common hoverfly has an unmarked olive green grey... List hoverflies are true flies in the wing on agricultural fields in New Zealand in a single garden:. Identified on Bayer ’ s Orchard Farm in Essex since July 2018 and unique black! Bands on the abdomen over 70 species found in New Zealand 'halteres ' the native trees the. Insect life: egg-larva-pupa-imago all kinds of decaying materials been identified on Bayer ’ s Orchard Farm Essex!, stubby hoverflies with metallic reflections in recent years there was a move introduce. The native trees to the family Syrphidae, their most characteristic features is national! You can generally see plenty of adults on flowers throughout spring and summer, while larvae... Managed to photograph, mostly honeybee mimics live trees ( 33 species ) visitor.

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