Hoverfly

Species: Hoverfly sp.

Scientific name: Chrysotoxum bicinctum

Appearance: Narrow glossy-black body with two yellow bands on its abdomen. Antennae are longer than the head and point forward. Legs are mainly yellow. Single pair of large, transparent wings.

Size: Roughly 1cm long

Natural History: Hoverflies are not in the same order as bees and wasps but are instead related to other flies. They are generally harmless but mimic the colours of bees and wasps to scare off predators. Hoverflies, as their name suggests, are often found hovering by flowers. This motion is an easy way to recognize these insects.