Chrysotoxum

Amongst the most striking of all british hoverflies, Chrysotoxum species are boldly marked with yellow and black and have distinctly elongated antennae. Although the genus is distinctive, identification to species level can be tricky and may require close examination of the abdominal markings in combination with other characters.

Chrysotoxum arcuatum - Northern and western species of upland areas, small and dumpy with long dark brown hairs on the eyes and antennal segment 3 much longer than 1 and 2 together

Chrysotoxum bicinctum - Two bold bands on abdomen, instantly recognisable.

Chrysotoxum cautum - Large species, female with long dense hairs on thoracic dorsum. Antennal segment 1 shorter than segment 2

Chrysotoxum elegans - Smaller than cautum, with antennal segments 1 and 2 equal length, see species account for differences to verralli

Chrysotoxum festivum - Yellow markings hooked at tip, widespread

Chrysotoxum octomaculatum - Distinctive abdominal markings - similar to arcuatum but restricted to heaths of Dorset and Surrey

Chrysotoxum vernale - Yellow markings straight - restricted south-western distribution

Chrysotoxum verralli - Restricted to south-east England and the midlands. Very similar to elegans but smaller and with black at front of tergite 2 mostly straight, not curved as in elegans.