Episyrphus balteatus

Hainschwebfliege ( Episyrphus balteatus ), male

The Hainschwebfliege ( Episyrphus balteatus ), also known as Winterschwebfliege, is a kind of family of hoverflies (Syrphidae ). In 2004 she was elected by the German Entomological Institute for insect of the year.

Features

The flies have a body length of 7 to 12 mm and have a slightly elongated and slender physique. The face is yellow, the forehead is gray, dusted over the brown antennae dark gray. The dark greenish shimmering light gray mesonotum bears three longitudinal lines. On the abdomen are located on the second segment two yellow spots on the third and fourth segment wide black Hinterrandsäume and centered narrow, centrally notched black lines. By this " mustache -like" abdomen drawing the species is well distinguished from other hoverflies. The side edges of the abdomen side are turned down and are not visible when viewed from above. The compound eyes of the females are narrow separately.

Occurrence and habitat

The species is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America. It is one of Central Europe's most common hoverflies and can be observed in many different habitats. The flight time is from March to October. Mated females can overwinter and are therefore sometimes observed on warm winter days. However, most animals, especially the females of the Wanderart fly over the Alps or the Pyrenees in the south.

Way of life

The adults are strong flower visitors and are almost available on all flowers. On each umbel flowers are often found up to 10 individuals. The larvae feed on aphids and predatory especially in the former scarcity by sawfly larvae. The larvae overwinter.