Species: Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)
Family: Hoverflies (SYRPHIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: Widespread
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Hoverflies (SYRPHIDAE)
True to their name, the hoverflies hover around flowers, and then alight to feed on nectar and pollen. They are very important pollinators, and despite the fact that some look like wasps or bees, this is just mimicry and helps to keep potential predators at bay. Hoverflies have no sting, and have short, drooping antennae. The larvae are as useful as the adults, in that they feed on aphids.
We have a photograph-filled blog post about all the hoverflies that we have seen in the Cemetery that may be worth your time.
C. Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)
The Marmalade Hoverfly has the twin distinction of being Britain's most commonly known hoverfly, and the 'owner' of an English name. It is also remarkable as a hoverfly whose colour is closely dependent upon the temperature at which the larvae developed. If they develop in hot conditions, the adults are almost entirely orange. If they develop during cold conditions, the resulting adults are almost entirely dark, even black. The ones photographed here are mid-way between these two extremes, showing the distinctive double band (thick then thin) on the second and third abdominal segments (the 'tergites'). This feature is not shared by any other British hoverfly.
This is the species of hoverfly that has been seen arriving in huge numbers, as immigrants from Europe, usually being mistaken for wasps.
Recent research has shown that female Episyrphus balteatus hoverflies have been found flying through the Pyrenees mountains using the sun for navigation.
Images
Episyrphus balteatus (Marmalade Hoverfly)
The Marmalade Hoverfly is remarkable as a hoverfly whose colour is closely dependant upon the temperature at which the larvae developed. If they develop in hot conditions, the adults are almost entirely orange. If they develop during cold conditions, the resulting adults are almost entirely dark, even black. The ones photographed here are mid-way between these two extremes, showing the distinctive double band (thick then thin) on the second and third abdominal upper abdominal segments (the 'tergites'). This feature is not shared by any other British hoverfly.
Episyrphus balteatus (Marmalade Hoverfly)
The Marmalade Hoverfly is the species of hoverfly that has been seen arriving in huge numbers, as immigrants from Europe, usually being mistaken for wasps. Just remember: hoverflies neither sting nor bite!
Episyrphus balteatus (Marmalade Hoverfly)
Episyrphus balteatus is Britain's commonest hoverfly. At between 5 and 10 millimetres, it is difficult to appreciate the glorious details of this tiny creature . . . photography helps to reveal some of this detail.
Episyrphus balteatus (Marmalade Hoverfly)
Episyrphus balteatus is a pollinating insect, here feeding on a buttercup.
Episyrphus balteatus (Marmalade Hoverfly)
This individual Episyrphus balteatus hoverfly, photographed on June 14th 2022, sports an unusual pair of red lines on its abdomen, not often seen in other photograph of this species.
Although these markings appear to be rare (as in not showing up in the majority of photographs of this species available on-line), it is thought that they may be visible signs of internal tubules - not reproductive organs - as these markings have occasionally been seen in both sexes. Anatomical investigation would be required to settle this question!
Episyrphus balteatus (Marmalade Hoverfly)
This individual Episyrphus balteatus hoverfly, photographed on June 14th 2022, sports an unusual pair of red lines on its abdomen, not often seen in other photograph of this species.
Although these markings appear to be rare (as in not showing up in the majority of photographs of this species available on-line), it is thought that they may be visible signs of internal tubules - not reproductive organs - as these markings have occasionally been seen in both sexes. Anatomical investigation would be required to settle this question!
