Species: Many-tufted Sedgesitter (Platycheirus scutatus)
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. Many-tufted Sedgesitter (Platycheirus scutatus)
This hoverfly is one of the sub-family Platycheirus, Platycheirus scutatus. It is found throughout the northern hemisphere. Its larvae feed on aphids. It has a long flight period in the UK, preferring grassland, scrub, woodland and gardens.
This is a small hoverfly. From wing tip to wing tip, it measures between 5 and 7.5 millimetres. Its body length is no more than 5 millimetres.
Images
Many-tufted Sedgesitter (Platycheirus scutatus)
This is a small hoverfly found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Its larvae feed on aphids. It has a long flight period in the UK, preferring grassland, scrub, woodland and gardens.
The four photographs shown here demonstrate this insect's self-cleaning behaviour. This is a female.
Many-tufted Sedgesitter (Platycheirus scutatus)
The four photographs shown here demonstrate this insect's self-cleaning behaviour. This is a female.
Many-tufted Sedgesitter (Platycheirus scutatus)
The four photographs shown here demonstrate this insect's self-cleaning behaviour. This is a female.
Many-tufted Sedgesitter (Platycheirus scutatus)
The four photographs shown here demonstrate this insect's self-cleaning behaviour. Here, it has rotated its head round nearly 180 degrees to clean its compound eyes with both its forelegs. This is a female.
