DESCRIPTION: Wing length up to 10.25mm. Not the most frequent Hoverfly one can trip across but easily recognised by the glossy unmarked thorax, and the black abdomen that has strong bars on segment 3 and narrow bars on segment 4. The wings have a slight darlening to the outer edge for about a third of their length.  BEHAVIOUR: Adults have a fondness for yellow flowers such as Dandelion agg and Buttercups. The larvae are aphidophagous on trees or shrubs. DISTRIBUTION: Well spread throughout Britian but never seen in large numbers. HABITAT: Woodland glades, woodland edges, heathland and hedgerows. Occasionally seen in gardens too.  PERIOD: On the wing from May to June and then again during August and September.