Eristalis arbustorum

Habitat: Gardens, parks and open habitats

Size: Wing length 7-10mm

Species account: As with other Eristalis species, this species has variable markings on the abdomen, but the markings on the female are always restricted to tergite 2. Males always have some orange on tergite 2, and often have these extending to tergite 3. Uniquely amongst Eristalis species, the face is entirely pale dusted, meaning that there is no central dark stripe, although worn individuals may start to develop a dark stripe, causing them to resemble Eristalis abusivus. The strongly darkened apices to the mid tibia should help separate from that species. Flies April to November.