Common banded hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii)

The common banded hoverfly is a very common hoverfly found along hedgerows, and in gardens and woodlands. Adults feed on the nectar of flowers, while the larvae are predators of aphids. This hoverfly has multiple broods; adults are seen throughout spring and summer, while the larvae survive the winter as pupae. The common banded hoverfly creates a hum when resting by vibrating its wings.

The common banded goverfly has a rounded, black body with a pattern of yellow spots and bands. This is just one of a large group of very similar hoverflies that can be found in a variety of habitats. Many hoverflies are very difficult to identify, requiring a microscope to look at tiny characters, such as the shape of the veins in the wings.

Seen in the gardens of Chiswick House in August 2021

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