Marmalade Hoverflies

Identify It >   Invertebrate Section >   Flies Section >   Marmalade Hoverflies >

Scientific name:  Episyrphus balteatus

Size:  Up to 12mm.  Wingspan approximately 10mm

Distribution:  Found throughout the U.K.

Months seen:  March to November

Life span:  Less than 1 year

Habitat:  Gardens, parks, hedgerows, woodland glades and woodland edges

Food:  The adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen, while the larvae feed on aphids

Special features:  Marmalade Hoverflies are sometimes called Twin-barred Hoverflies.  They can be identified by the distinctive pattern on the 3rd and 4th sections of the abdomen.  Each section feature one thick black band, and one thin black band which has a break in the middle making it look like a moustache.  Some individuals also have white bands on the abdomen.  On the thorax there are two narrow grey stripes.

The larvae of this species consume large quantities of aphids, so they are popular with gardeners and organic farmers.

Marmalade Hoverflies can hibernate through the winter in sheltered locations.  The population is sometimes swelled by Marmalade Hoverflies arriving in the UK from Europe.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Flies Section
• UK Safari Invertebrate Section
• Identify other wildlife
• What's Out Now?