At the time of first recording Dasysyrphus albostriatus on the 1st May 2023, it was the 20th species of Hoverfly recorded in the Garden. It’s genus was never really in any doubt, the black stripe down its face and the black markings on the wings leading edge identified it as such (*1).
The species was decided by the distinct characteristics, albeit faint examples, of the two grey stripes across the thorax in combination with the downward pointing markings on the abdomen (*1)
A common species over much the country, with two generations each year. The specimen above is photographed feeding on the apple blossom.
Wildlife Garden 