Syrphus ribesii

Common Name: n/a

Syrphus ribesii is a common hoverfly with yellow 'moustache' bands on a black abdomen. The female has an all-yellow hind femur. This species is almost identical to Syrphus vitripennis except the female's hind femur (top part of leg) is yellow rather than black.

Both sexes of S. ribesii have the basal cells of the wings covered in microtrichia (tiny hairs) which are lacking in S. vitripennis. Found in gardens, hedgerows, waste ground and many other habitats.

It can be found from March to November with peaks in late May/early June and again in July to September. Males often create a 'hum' by vibrating their wings when resting and this sound is often a familiar background noise in woodland during the summer. It is multiple brooded. Very common throughout the UK.

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.