Syrphus torvus

Common Name: N/A

Syrphus torvus is very similar to other Syrphus species and is best identified by the presence of hairs on the eyes. Found in gardens, hedgerows, waste ground and many other habitats. The adults feed on pollen and nectar but the larvae feed on aphids.

Flight period is from March to November; it is often the earliest Syrphus species to emerge in the spring, has a peak in April with a second peak in July and is sometimes one of the commoner hoverflies in autumn, having a third peak in October.

This is a widespread and fairly frequent species, especially in woodlands during spring when it can often be found visiting sallow catkins or basking on dead foliage such as bracken.

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