DESCRIPTION: Wing length 8.5 - 12mm. A Bumblebee mimic that is the furriest of the Eristalis species. The main identification features are yellow scutellum, the pale basal half of the hind tibia, the dark reddish brown tail in males, the white tail in females, the dark ground colour to the face and the black hairs on the side of the thorax. There are variations on a theme in this species so care should be taken in the field. BEHAVIOUR: Found frequently hovering near nectar sources and has a liking for purple or blue flowers. DISTRIBUTION: Common  throughout but never found in great numbers. HABITAT: Marshy and woodland areas are common places to find this species with the flowers of Sallow and Blackthorn worth checking in early spring. PERIOD: March to September.