DESCRIPTION: Wing length up to 11.75mm.  A dark bodied species of hoverfly with a covering of gingery hairs. These can be easily mistaken for Eristalis species when out in the field. The antennae are dark as are the tarsi. BEHAVIOUR: Likes to bask in open sunny areas.  Larvae feed and develop inside the stems of Thistles. Adults can be seen feeding on Salix catkins. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread throughout Britain but never seen in any great numbers. HABITAT: Damp woodland rides and clearings, wet meadows and hedgerows. PERIOD: An early flying species best seem between March and May.