Species: Meadow Field Syrph (Eupeodes latifasciatus)
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. Meadow Field Syrph (Eupeodes latifasciatus)
Eupeodes latifasciatus is a relatively small hoverfly. It is widespread in England, more so in the south-east, favouring woodland and the edges of meadows. In places, it is abundant in August.
The common English name for this hoverfly is the 'Meadow Field Syrph'.
Images
Eupeodes latifasciatus (Meadow Field Syrph)
Eupeodes latifasciatus is a relatively small hoverfly. It is widespread in England, more so in the south-east. In some years, it can be abundant in August, which is when this individual was spotted in 2021.
Eupeodes latifasciatus (Meadow Field Syrph)
This individual was spotted in June 2022.
