DESCRIPTION: Wing length 9 - 14mm. This is a very common bee (drone) mimic that is similar to two other species (E. pertinax and E. similis). The key ID factors are a dark front tarsus, a row of dark hairs that run vertically down the eye and a dark hind tibia. The abdomen varies in colour with the orange markings sometimes absent. BEHAVIOUR: The adult flies feed on pollen and nectar and have a preference for yellow flowers. The larvae are detritus feeders. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout. HABITAT: Seen in gardens, parks, woodland hedges and almost any flower rich areas. PERIOD: March to December.