Eristalis arbustorum

Common Name: N/A

Eristalis arbustorum is one of the smaller member of the drone-fly group; it still has the stocky shape, but is distinguished by a completely pale dusted face (other Eristalis sp. have a black bare stripe from antennae to mouth). It can have quite variable orange-yellow markings on its abdomen together with white-edged tergites and some can be almost totally black.

Widely found in gardens, urban wasteland and other open habitats, it can be seen from April to November with peaks in July and August. As with other drone-flies, it can breed in polluted water, such as temporary pools with cow droppings. Common and widespread throughout the UK.

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