DESCRIPTION: A variable species with typical yellow and black colouration. It is best recognised however by the lunulate spots on the thorax which never reach the margins, the long stigma, the yellow scutellum and the lack of yellow hairs on segments T3 onwards. Females have a distinct upturned Y-shape on the frons (as above). The spots on the male's abdomen may fuse to form spectacle shaped markings thus adding to any confusion - care must be taken. BEHAVIOUR: One of the first species seen in Spring and one that can be found almost throughout the year. Numbers are increased by migrants in late summer. Larvae feed on ground-layer aphids. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent throughout becoming less so in far north. HABITAT: Gardens, woodland rides, parks and meadows. PERIOD: March to October. |
