DESCRIPTION: Wing length up to 8mm.  The most common grey-spotted hoverfly one is likely to encounter with the main ID features being the black abdomen with grey-silvery spots and, on the male, the pale swelling of the front tibia and long-hairs on the posterior side of the front femora.  Females usually have orange front and mid femorae and small but distinct dust spots.  The face in front view is seen to be silverish. BEHAVIOUR: The larvae are prone to feeding on aphids on low herbage but also on reeds, trees and shrubs. DISTRIBUTION: A common and widespread species throughout Britain. HABITAT: Gardens, hedgerows, woodland edges and Heathland. PERIOD: March to October with the main peak during the early spring and late summer months.