Eurasian Smoothwing

The Eurasian Smoothwing is a noticeable hoverfly measuring 10 to 12 millimetres long. Its black abdomen has three pairs of pale cream or yellowish crescent shapes, creating a clear pattern that sets it apart from other Scaeva species. The middle part of its body is a shiny bronze-green with a light grey dusting. Male hoverflies have much larger eyes that meet at the top of their heads. This species is found widely across Europe and temperate parts of Asia. It is common throughout Britain and Ireland, especially from spring to autumn. It prefers open areas such as gardens, hedgerows, edges of woodlands, and meadows. The Eurasian Smoothwing is a strong flyer and is often seen hovering quite high in the air. It regularly moves northwards in spring as part of its migration. Adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen. Their larvae eat large numbers of aphids, which helps to control these pests naturally. This makes the species useful for biological pest control.