30 Days Wild

The wonders of hovering hoverflies on day three of 30 Days Wild...

We have around 250 species of hoverflies in the UK, and this time of year (May-June) is a great time to see them. These harmless flower-loving pollinators are particularly interesting, as many species look like bees or wasps, which protects them from predation. This is known as “mimicry”. Once you start looking, you can see the huge variety of sizes, shapes and colours. Hoverflies can be found in almost any habitat and are likely to be just outside in your garden!

I like to look out for hoverflies throughout the year, flitting among flowers or hovering in shady spots. They’re great fun to photograph and identify, so grab a field guide and a camera (it's often easier to identify from a picture once you get home) and get out there! Below are some common species you may find, but there are hundreds more out there for you to discover. Happy hover spotting!

Eristalis tenax: a common honey bee mimic by Amy Gresham

Britain’s most common hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus on a fern frond

Britain’s most common hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus, often found in large groups in the summer months. The characteristic feature of this species is the two dark bands separated by two orange bands on each segment.

Helophilus pendulus is known at the “humbug hoverfly” for the stripes on the thorax. Image by Amy Gresham

Ways to go wild...

Go hover spotting! See if you can spot a hoverfly in your garden or on your way to work or school. They often look like bees or wasps, but when they fly they really do hover - especially in shady spots under trees. See if you can tell the difference.