Scaeva selenitica

Description

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

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It favours conifers.

When to see it

March to November peaking July and early September.

Life History

Adults are often seen on flowers. The larvae feed on pine aphids.

UK Status

Widespread but local - it is more common in southern England than elsewhere in Britain.

VC55 Status

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Hoverflies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Syrphidae
Records on NatureSpot:
11
First record:
17/07/2012 (Peacock, H A)
Last record:
20/07/2023 (Horrell, Catherine)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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