Species: Plain-faced Dronefly (Eristalis arbustorum)
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. Plain-faced Dronefly (Eristalis arbustorum)
Eristalis arbustorum is a widespread, commonly-found hoverfly species. It is present in a variety of habitats in Britain from April to November.
This hoverfly is between 7 and 10 millimetres in length. It visits a range of different flowers, including knapweeds, ragwort (as seen in the photographs on this page), thistles and umbellifers.
Images
Plain-faced Dronefly
Eristalis arbustorum is a widespread, commonly-found hoverfly species. It is present in a variety of habitats in Britain from April to November.
The individual in this photograph is a male.
Plain-faced Dronefly
This hoverfly is between 7 and 10 millimetres in length.
The individual in this photograph is a male.
Plain-faced Dronefly
Eristalis arbustorum visits a range of different flowers, including knapweeds, ragwort (as seen in the photographs on this page), thistles and umbellifers.
The individual in this photograph is a male.
