First Hoverflies of 2026

 I finally managed to see some hoverfly adults today. The temperature was only 6C but the sun was out for a bit.

The actual purpose of our trip to Dyffryn House near Cardiff was to look at Snowdrops but I had high hopes of more. In fact I only found a single flowering bush on the whole estate but this Sarcococca had three hoverflies of different species as well as a couple of bumble bees and a Yellow-Dungfly.


                                                                   Episyrphus balteatus  The Marmalde Hoverfly

The first was more or less expected, it being a relatively common overwintering species in southern England. The Marmalade Hoverfly. 

The second species was again, not a surprise. This was the Common Drone Fly ( Eristalis tenax). I took loads of photos to be sure that I captured the critical features of black front tarsi (rules out pertenax) and the thickened rear femur. The bands of eye hairs will have to wait for a captured and anaesthetised individual


        Common Drone Fly ( Eristalis tenax)

The third individual was really not co-operative though. It was a female Aphideater of some kind  (Euopedes sp) but would not face me to allow a shot of the top of it's face to confirm it as a  Lunuled Aphideater ( luniger) which should be the only one emerging in January.


            Aphideater (Eupeodes sp)

Interestingly, all three were females which must mean something about strategies for overwintering.


The most important thing, though is my year list is up and running. With, yet more, rain forecast the next addition may be some time !


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