Dasysyrphus albostriatus

Common Name: N/A

Dasysyrphus albostriatus has two light-coloured stripes (hence its latin names: albo and striatus) on the thorax which are pretty distinctive markings when attempting to identify this hoverfly. Also the oblique bars on tergites 3 and 4, which are often fused along the centre line into an inverted V shaped band (see above), especially noted in the summer brood females.

Often found on warm spring days in April and May, though can be found until November. It is known as a woodland-edge species, although the one illustrated was photographed in my suburban garden in Wolverhampton, which is nowhere near a wood! Widespread thoughout the UK exept in the very far north of Scotland.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.