Scaeva selenitica

Common Name: N/A

Scaeva selenitica has a wing length of 10.5 to 12 mm and is a large, distinctive fly with three pairs of yellow comma markings (lunules) on the abdomen; these are white on the similar Scaeva pyrastri. The commas on S.selenitica extend equally far forward at both the inner and outer ends.

It is known to favour conifer plantations and is on the wing from March to November, peaking July and early September. Adults are often seen on flowers, but the larvae feed on pine aphids. Widespread throughout the UK, but local - it is more common in southern England than elsewhere in Britain.

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