Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2008. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Marmalade hoverfly - Episyrphus balteatus - Family: Syrphidae

Marmalade hoverfly - Episyrphus balteatusMarmalade hoverfly - Episyrphus balteatus
© Roger Key/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

An orange and black banded hoverfly with a distinctive pattern of faint stripes on the body, this species is widespread and very common. Hoverflies are useful insects to encourage in a garden as most species feed on aphids and this one is no exception.

In most years numbers are greatly boosted by immigration from the continent.

Food

Predatory: larvae eat aphids; adults are nectar feeders in garden flowers.

Plants

Butterfly bush, Californian poppy, Cat's-ear, Cherry laurel, Cow parsley, Dandelion, Fennel, Guelder rose, Hogweed, Michaelmas daisy, Ox-eye daisy, Rough chervil

Prey

Aphids

380