Chrysotoxum festivum

[Paul Iddon]

I'm sure this is the first time I have photographed Chrysotoxum festivum - some call it the the harlequin hoverfly. Got a bonus wasp in the first image.

Paul.

 

[Maris Rusis]

Paul, you've captured a wonderful example of Batesian mimicry. Those conspicuous yellow and back stripes spell "dangerous" in the insect world. What better than a harmless syrphid should look like a wasp.

 

[Paul Iddon]

Thanks Maris.

Hook-barred Spearhorn, and Hook-banded wasp hoverfly are two other common names given to this Syrphidae species. It's especially nice to find one her - there apparently is only a narrow band of area across the UK where they are seen.

Paul.

 

[Asher Kelman]

It’s a miracle of nature and you are so lucky to spot her!

Fabulous!

Asher

 

[Maggie Terlecki]

So cool! I thought it was a wasp too but something about it wasn't quite right. Great picture though

 

[Paul Iddon]

So cool! I thought it was a wasp too but something about it wasn't quite right. Great picture though

Thank you Maggie.

Paul.