Epistrophe eligans

Habitat: Woodland edges, hedgerows.

Size: Wing length 6.5-9.5mm

Species account: The commonest Epistrophe species, widely distributed across the UK. Flies from late March onwards, typically first being seen at blackthorn blossom. Males typically have triangular spots on tergite 2 and a thin band on tergite 3, although this can be absent. Females are brighter, with more extensive markings on tergite 2 typically only narrowly divided on the mid line, and may have a band on tergite 4 as well as 3.

Female

Male