DESCRIPTION: Wing length 7 - 10mm.   A mid-sized hoverfly with a black scutellum that has a pale yellow tip.  The markings on the abdomen are silvery-white.  Those found on tergites 2 are large and well separated (occasionally merged) whereas those on tergites 3 and 4 are smaller and narrower (sometimes absent).  The front and mid legs are extensively black on the tibiae and tarsi.  The thorax in black and may have two longitudinal grey stripes. BEHAVIOUR:  The larvae feed on aphids that live on plants such as Hogweed, Cow Parsley and Angelica. DISTRIBUTION: A widespread hoverfly that is less frequent in. HABITAT: Woodlands and woodland edges and hedgerows where Umbellifers are found. PERIOD: May to September with a peak in July.