Syritta pipiens, Thick-legged Hoverfly

Common Name: Thick-legged Hoverfly

Syritta pipiens is a very common UK species of hoverfly, sometimes called the Thick-legged Hoverfly, from its distinctive broad hind femora. Being small, this species is easy to overlook but this strange thickened rear leg make it easy to identify at close quarters.

Found in gardens, rough meadows and along hedgerows. Their larvae develop in compost, manure and other rotting organic matter. Sometimes there are notable local population explosions, possibly due to mass emergence or perhaps migration.

Adults are on the wing from April to November, peaking in July and August. Common throughout the UK, though less so in nothern Scotland.

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