DESCRIPTION: Wing length 7.5 - 11.25. A quite distinctive Hoverfly with a grey and black striped thorax, a metallic brassy abdomen covered in hairs, yellow legs and a black arista. The wings also have two black markings. The sides of the thorax are covered in firm black bristles. BEHAVIOUR: The larvae live in sap runs. Adults can be overlooked as they have a fondness for basking on wooden structures such as fenceposts and leaves in dappled light. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent in Britain becoming more local northwards. Never seen in great numbers. HABITAT: Woodlands are a favoured habitat but hedgerows and nearby open flowery areas are also places to seek out this lovely species. PERIOD: April to early October.