Eristalis tenax

Common Name: N/A

Eristalis tenax is one of the larger hoverflies and mimics the Honey Bee, Apis mellifera. Often confused with Eristalis pertinax and Eristalis similis, but on closer examination, E. pertinax has an entirely orange front tarsus (unlike both of the other species) and the hind tibia is pale in the basal half (unlike E.tenax).

This is a common and widely distributed species throughout the UK; in fact it is often one of the most abundant hoverflies wherever there are suitable flowers. Visits a wide range of flowers, very often in company with the very honey bees it mimics.

On the wing March to November, with peaks in May and August. The males commonly hover in woodland clearings, aggressively defending territories as small as a few metres square.

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.