Species: Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum)
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. Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum)
Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum) are widespread in Britain (although less so in Scotland), and favour woodland, hedgerows and flower meadows. They are between 8 and 10 millimetres in length.
Their distinguishing characteristics are a vertical black facial stripe and, in females, very white rear margins to the abdominal segments. They also have a dark hind metatarsus that is thinner than the tibia.
Images
Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum)
The Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum) favours woodland, hedgerows and flower meadows. They are between 8 and 10 millimetres in length.
Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum)
The distinguishing characteristics of the Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum) are a vertical black facial stripe and, in females, very white rear margins to the abdominal segments.
Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum)
This hoverfly was seen early in its season, feeding on a Goat Willow at the very end of March 2024.
Stripe-faced Dronefly (Eristalis nemorum)
This hoverfly was seen early in its season, feeding on a Goat Willow at the very end of March 2024.
