DESCRIPTION: Wing length 5 - 7mm. Idly named as the Long Hoverfly in some quarters the males of this unique little beast have a distinctly elongated straight body that sees the wing tips reach to just over halfway along tergite 4. The markings can be very variable and are made up of the usual 'hoverfly' yellow and black. The scutellum is yellow, the thorax brown and hairy with two faint grey longitudinal lines usually present. Females are similar with an abdomen that is centrally rounded and a wing length that is shorter making for confusion with females of the interrupta group. Microscopy is needed to pick out the finer points for a full ID. The eyes of both sexes are bare and the face is pale yellow. BEHAVIOUR: The larvae feed on ground-layer aphids. Migrants probably add to the British population in some years. Up to 9 generations can occur in one year. DISTRIBUTION: An abundant Hoverfly throughout the British Isles becoming slightly more scattered towards the North. HABITAT: This species has a particular preference for open grassland but can be found along flowery hedgerows and waste ground. PERIOD: April to November with a peak during July and August.
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