Platycheirus albimanus

Common Name: N/A

Platycheirus albimanus is one of the commonest hoverflies and widespread throughout Britain.

Wing length 5 - 8mm. This is a dark-looking species with grey spots on the tergites and a pale tip to the abdomen. The front tibia of the male are very pale and expand abruptly towards the apex.

Habitat is usually woodland edges and hedgerows, but reasonably common in gardens (where my specimen was photographed), visiting a wide range of flowers. The larvae feed on aphids in low herbaceous plants and bushes. On the wing March to November, peaking in May/early June and again in July/August.

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.