Hoverflies are a fascinating group of flies, relatively well known for their role in pollination, but much less well known for their interesting biology and role as habitat indicators. Let’s get this straight – I’m no hoverfly expert, what follows is a quirky look at some of these intriguing insects, focussing on those species that have been recorded from our nature reserves. I hope you enjoy it!

Old Woodlands

Crimson-belted Hoverfly (Brachypalpoides lentus) as its name suggests this beautiful looking hoverfly has a striking looking band of crimson occupying the majority of its abdomen. This species is associated with old trees particularly in our area Oak where the larvae develop in the decaying heartwood of live trees. Adults can be seen from April to September. Of our nature reserves Danemead is the best place to spot this species.

Golden-tailed Leaf-licker (Xylota sylvarum) another stunning looking hoverfly associated with woodlands. The larvae develop in rotting wood including, tree roots, stumps and fallen trunks. The best places to spot one are on sunny areas foliage or tree stumps in the spring and summer. This species doesn’t visit flowers.

Orange-belted Plumehorn (Vollucella inflata) another species that favours old woodlands. This one requires sap runs created by the larvae of saproxylic beetles to lay its eggs in, which means if this species is present there’s a very good chance of some interesting species of beetle are present too. Elsewhere in the country it uses sap runs created by Goat Moth, but that species is now thought to be extinct in our area. Adults can be found visiting the flowers of Hawthorn and Bramble amongst others.  Again, Danemead is our best reserve to spot this species.

Wetlands

Stripe-backed Glimmer (Riponnensia splendens) this wetland species requires mud or shallow water for its larvae to develop in. Adults can be found on a wide range of flowers, but have a particular association with members of the carrot family and Meadowsweet.

Snouted Duckfly (Anasimyia lineata) rather than requiring mud, the rat-tailed larvae of this species develop in submerged rotting vegetation. Adults can be found pollinating yellow flowered species such as buttercups and Silverweed and also Water Mint.

Dry Grasslands

Ragwort Blacklet (Cheilosia bergenstammi) this double brooded species is associated with Ragwort. Adults tend not to stray far from Ragwort and the larvae can be found in the stem of the plant at the base. Adult numbers peak in late spring and late summer. Take a look at Aldbury Nowers for this species.

Truffle Blacklet (Cheilosia soror) – up until recently this species was confined to chalk and limestone areas of southern England, but has begun to spread northwards. We’ve records for this species at Aldbury Nowers and Long Deans. Adults tend to be found feeding on members of the carrot family and later in the season Ivy flowers. It’s thought that the larvae feed on fungi.

Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly (Xanthogramma pedissequum) this striking looking yellow and black species is found in grasslands and woodland rides where the grass is short and there is some bare ground. Its larvae have been found in the nests of ants such as Yellow Meadow Ant and the Black Garden Ant. I’ve seen this species at our Hexton Chalk Pit nature reserve, look out for it on low vegetation or bare ground.

Find out more

If your interest has been piqued there are some great online resources to help you take your interest further:

Download our free Wild About Gardens ‘Be a hoverfly hero’ booklet. From their four-stage life cycle to migration and mimicry, there's so much to discover about these two-winged wonders. The booklet also includes spotting sheets for adults and larvae, as well as guides to making a pollinator planter and hoverfly lagoon.

The UK Hoverflies Facebook group is a great place to post pictures of species that you’ve seen. The friendly community here will have a go at identifying the species for you.

Steven Falk’s hoverfly Flickr collection is an amazing resource and is the source for some of the information in this blog.