Eristalinus sepulchralis

Habitat: Wetland areas, but can wander more widely.

Size: Wing length 6-9mm

Species account: The only hoverfly in the majority of the UK which has spotted eyes. Near the coast, where the similar Eristalinus aeneus may occur, closer examination is necessary. E.sepulchralis males have a broad hourglass shaped patch on the abdomen which is dull, whereas the entire abdomen is glossy in aeneus. Females also have a dull area on the abdomen, but this can be reduced and hard to see. Females usually also have grey thoracic stripes. A diagnostic feature in both species is that the eyes are hairy throughout, whereas they are bare in the bottom half in aeneus. Males also have the eyes narrowly separated, whereas they touch in aeneus.