Batman Hoverfly - Myathropa florea

Description

This hoverfly has bold yellow and black markings and gets its common name from the dark outline on the thorax which resembles the famous batman symbol. The pattern of grey spots and bars on top of the thorax, together with yellow body hairs help to identify the species.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Well wooded areas and favouring large umbel flowers and often seen at Ivy flowers in late summer.

When to see it

May to October peaking July/August.

Life History

Larvae occur in rot holes or cavities of decaying leaves amongst roots at the base of trees.

UK Status

Widespread and often common throughout Britain.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Hoverflies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Syrphidae
Records on NatureSpot:
633
First record:
16/07/2005 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
17/10/2024 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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