Eupeodes corollae, wing length: 5mm to 8.25mm. Body length 6mm to 11mm.
Widespread and a very common species throughout Europe. Can be found far east in Russia, Siberia, to Pacific coast and japan, China, Formosa
Habitat: A wide variety of flowers are visited and many varied habitats are visited, including: Grasslands, meadows, dry river beds, road verges, waste ground, urban gardens, orchards, practically this species can be found anywhere flowers are present, adults are often migratory.
Males and females are marked different on the abdomen. Males have square commas on tergites 3 and 4 and have an unusually large genital capsule; females have narrow commas and the eyes are further apart at the crown of the head which is a common feature on most hoverfly species.
The larvae feed mainly on aphids, so this species has had experimental trials to see if they could be an effective method of controlling aphids, for agriculture (fruit plantations); mainly for glasshouses. Unfortunately, they were found to be partial to fruit, more so than aphids!