Eupeodes latifasciatus

Common Name: N/A

Eupeodes latifasciatus is a species of varying abundance in the UK, some years being quite common, then almost disappearing the next.

Females usually have the markings on the abdomen fused to form moustached bands. These bands run nearly parallel with the front edge of the tergite particularly on tergite 3. The yellow never reaches the lateral edges of the tergites. The frons is equally black and yellow, with no forward extension. Males tend to have spectacle shaped markings and the occiput (grey band on back of eyes) does not taper as significantly as in other species towards the top.

Adults feed on nectar, larvae feed on aphids and scale insects. Inhabiting open areas, with a preference for damp meadows and lush vegetation, but can be found in gardens (where the specimen above was found). On the wing March to October, peaking in August. Fairly widespread in the UK, but more frequent in the south.

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