BTB Chrysotoxum vernale (Loew, 1841).
Family: Syrphidae,
Wing length: 8 to 10.25mm.
The Chrysotoxum species are large hoverflies, being credited as being a very smart wasp mimic, having a distinctive long antenna.
Not much is known about the larval start of life, but it is believed they feed on root aphids in ant nests.
Chrysotoxum vernale is a wide spread hoverfly over parts of Europe, favouring coastlines, as far north as the southern coastline of England. (but these are rare sightings) It is not as common and wide spread as most of the other Chrysotoxum species, of hoverflies.
Habitat: This species can be found in a range of different habitats, from woodland clearings, scrublands, while preferring well drained soils. Seems to be confined mainly near the coast, never to far inland.