Eristalis arbustorum
Small Keilfleckschwebfliege ( Eristalis arbustorum )
The Small Keilfleckschwebfliege or Small Bienenschwebfliege ( Eristalis arbustorum ) is a fly from the family of hoverflies (Syrphidae ). It is one of the most common species of the family in Central Europe.
Features
The flies reach a body length of 8-11 mm and are thus smaller than the other species of the genus Eristalis. The face is light gray hairy and dusted and has no black center line. The antennae are dark brown and have a feathery bristle. The mesonotum is matte black, the scutellum ( scutellum ) is brown. The abdomen is black, the hind margins of the segments are brightly colored. The second and third abdominal segment is laterally colored yellow orange, making the center a black " Sanduhrzeichnung " is created, which is not so pronounced, however, as with other species of the genus Eristalis. The female has this yellow-orange coloring only on the second segment. The compound eyes are hairy and collide with the males in the middle of the head. The wings are transparent. The legs are matt black in color, with the tip of the legs and the basal end of the rails is colored wide rust. One can distinguish the type of Eristalis abusiva by the long feathered sensor bristle. The rails ( tibiae ) are yellow, the middle pairs of legs the last quarter, however, is colored black.
Occurrence and life
The species occurs from northern Africa to Europe and Asia and in North America in all its habitats, especially in open areas before. The adults can be found from March to October of flowers, especially on those of wicker and umbelliferous plants. The larvae develop in standing water, but also in liquid manure.