Hoverfly Spotter May 26 Sightings – part 1

Bears, Green Tigers, & Wolfs Milk. 

I cannot believe we’ve reached May already. Before long, spring will have given way to summer. While it hasn’t been the best week for hoverflies, with temperatures dipping a little, it has offered me the chance to explore and appreciate other fauna and flora in my local area.

One for the nature table - developing pinecones.

The week began with a visit to Wentworth Woodhouse, where an impressive hoverfly was spotted—though the day was somewhat dampened by the loss of some equipment. A walk along the Trans Pennine Trail brought a welcome highlight, with the sighting of one of the most colourful hoverflies found in the UK. The weekend then saw visits to Dearne Valley Country Park with the Barnsley Naturalists and Howell Wood with the British Naturalists, where, alongside friends, we encountered some amazing species to spotlight.

Nature’s Joy – Orange-tip Butterfly Visit.

A visit by an Orange-tip butterfly to the garden, what happens next is surely one of nature’s joys.

One of the joys of spring is seeing the Orange-tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines). The males with their flash of orange from which it gets its name, are often seen fluttering along woodland rides, passing by with purpose in mind.

The females in comparison bear no Orange-tip, but grey tips to her wings. Yet when she settles reveals a mottled green underwing that looks like decorative stained-glass windows in a church, a pattern unique to that butterfly. The males also have this mottling but its the orange flashes that first draw attention. These butterflies bring a smile to my face and are always welcome in my garden. 

The story begins one sunny afternoon in the garden a couple of weeks ago, when I was sitting reading a substack article and a female Orange-tip came to visit. It landed on a plant called Jack by the Hedge, also known by the name Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolate). This year it’s growing in profusion down the right-hand side of the garden as I look-out from the kitchen window. It’s a biennial which means last year we saw very few but this year it has flourished filling the entire border. Orange-tips need Garlic Mustard or Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis) also known as Lady’s Smock to complete their lifecycle. We don’t have any Cuckoo flower in the garden; it is a plant preferring wet meadows, which unfortunately this garden isn’t.

I watched a video recently by The Rambling Entomologist, Trevor Pendleton who indicated that the female lays her eggs not in a cluster of plants but in singletons. There is a very good reason for this preference, which I will come back to shortly. 

Narcissus Bulb fly (Merodon equestris)

Discover the Darker side of Hoverfly Ecology

Narcissus Bulb fly (Merodon equestris) 

Wing Length 8.5-10.25mm Body Length 10-14mm Flight late Apr-early Jul.

Species to spot in May

Have you ever planted bulbs that never quite made it to flowering, and you’re left wondering why? If you’re fairly sure they haven’t been dug up by a local grey squirrel, this hoverfly might be the hidden culprit.

It’s a remarkable species with around 34 different disguises, often easily mistaken for several types of bumblebee. The adults begin emerging from the soil from late April through to the end of June, so it’s well worth checking your bulb pots. You might spot one warming up in the sunshine or drying its wings on the leaves of your plants.

The Greatest Soundtrack in the World

International Dawn Chorus Day 3rd of May

It’s International Dawn Chorus Day on the 3rd of May. So, if you don’t know your blackbird from your robin song, or your blue tit from your great tit call this might just help.

May is a fantastic month for listening to birdsong, so you can always choose a morning that suits you better, if you can’t make the 3rd of May. If like me, early mornings really aren’t appealing, I’ve included a couple of alternative ideas later in the article that don’t require setting an alarm at all.

Anyone who loves birds will tell you that the dawn chorus is the greatest soundscape of all. Not the Top 40 blaring from a radio, but the voices of birds singing as the very first light appears. It’s a soundscape that has been playing since birds evolved — if not before. While the coffee brews, it’s one of those rare, glorious moments in the day when you can simply sit, listen, and let the birds do the talking.

Now people who know me well, know I am not a morning person. I have had several mugs designed that specifically state ‘don’t talk to me before my second cup of coffee.’ Early starts are very much not my thing. I am more of a night owl and would rather, as I am doing right now, stay up late and enjoy the silence, when everyone has gone to bed. It’s a time when the noise in my head finally quietens, and my creative thoughts can make their way through my fingertips. Whether I actually achieve that is for you to decide.

And yet, three times this spring I’ve dragged myself up at the crack of dawn to listen to that dawn-time symphony. And yes, I’ll have brain fog for the rest of the day — but every single time, it’s been worth it.

Hoverfly Spotter Apr 26 Sightings – part 3

Hoverflies, Silkstone Waggonway, & Local sightings.

I love it when I can find nature right on my doorstep, it’s even better when it’s in one's own garden. The Dandelions are in full bloom and the Garlic Mustard also known as Jack by the Hedge is just coming into flower ready for any passing Orange Tips.

But what other wonders and nature’s joy have I seen this week.

Hoverflies in Historical Books part 2.

Exploration of hoverflies within historical books & manuscripts, examining the scientific understanding each portrayed or intended. 

In my research for articles about individual hoverfly species, I always widen the search looking for any historical or cultural contexts. This broader approach often uncovers fascinating references to hoverflies in old historical manuscripts and early books, hidden gems that reveal stories and observations worthy of a deeper investigation. 

If you haven’t read Hoverflies in Historical Books part 1 – now is the perfect moment to do so and get up to speed with the journey so far.

For those who have read part 1, thank you – here is a brief recap.

The simple question was:  What is the oldest hoverfly ever recorded in print? 

Our search in the story so far paused in 1720 with Eleazar Albin’s 'A Natural History of English insects'  illustrating observed behaviour in the White-clubbed Glasswing (Scaeva pyrastri) 

But the question still to be answered is - are there any older references to hoverflies hidden within earlier texts?

Let’s find out….

Hoverfly Spotter Apr 26 Sightings – part 2

Hoverflies, Adwick Washlands, Moth trapping in my Garden, Critters down the River.

It has been a week of firsts, as you will see shortly.

It also an exciting time of year spring, as every corner you turn on a nature walk, you are likely to find something that delights, either something that has just blossomed, flowered, dropped in, flown past, hovers or just sits there waiting for you to spot it. That was very much the case with a trip down the river, even though it was only a week since my last visit. Looking up can even sometimes deliver something very special.

Then there are trips revisiting an old haunt and so for the first time this year, a visit to Adwick Washlands. A time of year when you hope migrants have flown in overnight from countries afar. Some very cool birds were spotted this week which I can’t wait to share, including one flagged by the BTO as a rarity for South Yorkshire.

Putting the moth trap out is always a special any time of year, as the next morning it’s a little bit like Christmas, you never know when you open up the trap what might be inside. But the first time is always special as it dawns a new season of moth trapping, with the promise of many Christmas days to come throughout the year. The question being will the trap be empty or full of moths to identify, and will those moths be regulars or newbies?

Bet you are wondering what all these sightings might be, well wonder no more as all will be revealed.

Hoverfly Spotter Apr 26 Sightings – part 1

Potteric Carr, Hoverflies, Visit to Wentworth, My Garden & Down the Dearne.

The clocks went forward 29th March and despite storm Dave blowing through, I did manage to get out for some hoverfly spotting last week. Here are some of my highlights

Observations in the garden: 

Spring has been quietly rehearsing its rituals. Robins court in plain sight, the male offering mealworms plucked from the lawn, a tender exchange of trust. Dunnocks flirt in a flutter of wings, mercifully discreet this time, with no cloacal pecking to report. From the treetops, greenfinches spill their wheezing trills into the air, while great tits hurry about with urgent purpose — busy, busy, busy —rather than their familiar teacher teacher sounds heard, that will come later.

Queen bees drift low through the undergrowth, mostly buff-tailed, prospecting patiently for the promise of a nest. Nearby, a male Hairy-footed Flower Bee runs his daily circuit, diligently visiting every purple bloom, favouring the Lungwort in his search for a female. The Blackcaps have returned singing a tuneful melody and I am awakening to the sound of a dawn chorus right outside my bedroom window. 

Though the garden has brimmed with birdsong, hoverflies have been few, nudging me beyond the garden gate this week. But before we head out, there was a visit from a Spring Small Dung Beetle (Aphodius prodromus) a new species for me.  Welcome to the garden.

Hoverflies in Historical Books part 1

Hoverflies in Books Part 1

When I first started my blog, I found myself wondering whether hoverflies existed in old historical books.

Did they appear at all in early natural history texts?

I assumed that old identification guides might include a few illustrations, after all they were appearing in paintings (click here), but I also wanted to know whether they appeared in a scientific context as well. If they did appear in a scientific context in what way, what questions were being asked, and what were they adding to scientific debates in their day, if any. But the main question I wanted to answer was-

What is the oldest hoverfly ever recorded in print?

The printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenburg in 1440, a mechanical device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium, thereby transferring the ink. This device started the printing revolution, allowing books, pamphlets and newspapers to be produced quickly and cheaply. So that was my target could I get hoverflies in print going back to the 19th…16th…15th century! Join me to discover more as I leaf through dusty shelves in search of hidden wonders.

Here is what I have uncovered so far…..

Spring Smoothtail (Epistrophe eligans)

Spring Smoothtail (Epistrophe eligans) Wing Length 6.25-9.5mm Flight Apr-Jun peaking in May

Species to spot in April

For some people spring arrives with the coming of the blossom, for others the emergence of daffodils and crocuses, the call of the Chiffchaff or the first bees, but I look for the emergence of the Spring Smoothtail (Epistrophe eligans). It is a common hoverfly strongly associated with the blossom of spring. It also signifies the start of the hoverfly season with more species emerging in the coming weeks and months. It gladdens my heart when I see them.

Its an anthropophilic species, which means it thrives in human modified areas. If you don’t know much about hoverflies this is a good one to start looking for, being easy to find in your garden or just beyond your garden gate. Especially along a hedgerow or woodland edge, sunny and with a tree in full blossom. The more northerly you are in the UK the less likely you are to spot them, especially so in Scotland where they can be localised.

HoverflySpotter Mar 26 Sightings – part 2

Bagworms, BugSnug, Didymodons & Hoverflies part 2

Welcome back to spring everyone🌸 🌼 🌷🌱🦋 🌞

If you haven’t read part 1 where I spot Bagworms and build a BugSnug then please click here

Bush full of flies

On the sunniest day of the week, I decided to go to Wentworth Woodhouse, with the hope of spotting a few pollinators. There were plenty of birds, Jackdaws, Crows, and Rooks on the large lawns, whilst Red Kites and Buzzards were circling overhead. I even heard a Little Owl which although I didn’t see it, I suspect it might have been in one of the holes in the wall. Along the glades were plenty of butterflies Brimstone, Peacock, and several Commas. As with most shrubbery at the moment, they were covered with 7 Spot and Harlequin ladybirds, so seeing a 10 spotted ladybird was a welcome new record to ladybird sightings for the year.

HoverflySpotter Mar 26 Sightings – part 1

Bagworms, BugSnug, Didymodons & Hoverflies part 1

I think spring might have sprung, many of my followers and subscribers are enjoying the sun, finding spring flowers and blossom, newly emerged queen bees, hearing chiffchaffs call their name and their first hoverflies - its pretty much the same in my locality. I find I have been away from my desk, spending more hours in the garden or surrounding countryside and even awoke this morning to a most glorious dawn chorus. 

Welcome to the spring everyone🌸 🌼 🌷🌱🦋 🌞

So, what have I been up to this week.

Guide to Flies of Britain & Ireland

A photographic guide to Flies of Britain & Ireland – First Impressions

Steven Falk, Gail Ashton, Rory Dimond & Peter Creed foreword by Erica McAlister

piscespublications (pbk) published 2026.

410 pages, +1500 photographs, illustrations, and distribution maps

ISBN 978-1-913994-16-7

A couple of weeks ago a book arrived through my letterbox that I had ordered last year. I don’t normally pre-order books, I normally await their publication before purchase, tending to buy it a couple of weeks or months later. But I knew I wanted this book and the reduced pre-order price was certainly an offer I couldn’t refuse.

When I unboxed it I thought I have seen this book before, it felt and looked familiar. I only had to look across to my bookshelves to see on the third shelf down Insects of Britain & Ireland by Paul D.Brock (2015). This is a super insect book but like most things I always felt there was more to flies that just the 100 pages that were dedicated to it. Don’t get me wrong it’s a comprehensive book full of great photographs with bees, dragonflies, moths and of course hoverflies but I have other more comprehensive books dedicated to those subject matters, so portions of the book were rarely used.

When I heard that there was going to be a book dedicated to flies, I just couldn’t wait for it to drop through my letter box.

Well, was the wait worth it?

Was the content what I expected or letdown as built-up hype often turns into? – for example, some Hollywood films. I had been following the production of this book more than any other…..

HoverflySpotter Feb 26 Sightings - Hotspot Found

HoverflySpotter sightings - hotspot found

Last week after going to see H is for Hawk at the local independent cinema, a film I highly recommend, I passed a Cherry Plum (Prunus cerusifera), a tree in full blossom. The sun was out and it was a warm day, surely, I couldn’t fail not to see a hoverfly, could I?

If I did spot a hoverfly it would be the first of the year.

There was nothing special about this Cherry Plum, its location was next to a busy through road. It was the start of the Trans Pennine Trail out of Barnsley and there were a few houses around. I had up to this point, over several days, scouted most of my local area for trees in blossom and have since found other Blackthorns and Cherry Plum trees in the vicinity but no hoverflies were to be spotted.

So did I succeed with this one tree…..

From Ruins to Roofs: The World of Mosses

Wall Mosses at Monk Bretton Priory

For me, before hoverflies there were bryophytes, as it was in evolutionary history. Bryophytes are a group of plants including mosses, liverworts and hornwort which have been on planet earth for half a billion years, evolving from aquatic algal ancestors. One of the earliest diverging lineages of extant land plants.

I got into bryophytes whilst studying at university, a project on a field course and I have been fascinated with them ever since. The surprise and wonder that first captivated me was that these tiny plants, of which there are 1000 plus in the UK and over 24,000 in the world, show so much diversity that is not obvious with a glance. These tiny flowerless plants helped shaped the existence of life on earth and could do so in the future with the colonisation of Mars, more about this later. They are as fascinating and wondrous as any other living organism if one takes the time to look. 

This article is about wall mosses; any wall will do it doesn’t have to be a wall on an English Heritage site such as a priory, but I couldn’t bring a group of Barnsley Naturalists to a wall outside my house or someone else’s garden, so this became a wonderful setting for a field meet. 

HoverflySpotter Sightings W/C 28th Feb 26

Birds, Vampires and ‘Catkins – Servicing the Bees’

It’s been a while since I wrote a sightings log – meteorological winter has ended - not that we had much snow in my part of the world just wet horrible rain failing day after day and grey overcast skies. The Winter Olympics has been on which I loved watching, I got engrossed in the snowboarding events and I reckon I could now commentate on curling having seen that much of it. But it has now finished, there were some terrific competitions and several GB medals to show which was nice. I did enjoy the whole occasion, first time in 20 years it's been in my time zone, which allowed me to watch more than I normally would. It even inspired me to produce a fun article about hoverflies at the Olympics, which seemed to have been well received and enjoyable to create. If you haven’t seen that post, please do click on the link – Hoverflies at the Olympics 🥌.

The last few days there has been some actual sun, and the temperatures have started to hit mid-teens, so I was hopeful of catching a hibernating hoverfly awakening from its sleep. I have been out and enjoying the spring flowers as they emerge. First there were Snowdrops then Dog’s Mercury followed by Crocuses, Helleborine, Daffodils, and Lesser Celandine and who does not love a Dandelion. I call them ‘Dandy – lee – on’ making them sound a little more exotic, not that they need that, but they are a much under-appreciated flower often considered a weed, yet the bees love them and so too do the early emerging hoverflies. But unfortunately, the only emerging insects I have spotted are the 7-spotted ladybirds, 2 Brimstone and a Peacock butterfly. I am sure by the end of the week I will have found one, so watch this space.

A Festival of Amateur Natural History

S.Yorkshire Natural History Day 

Thought of the week is slightly different this week because on Saturday 21st February it was the 15th South Yorkshire Natural History Day at Treeton Miners Welfare near Sheffield. This is an annual event open to all members of the Sorby society and anyone else who wishes to come along, an event where amateur naturalists convene from across the county and beyond to share and listen to talks about Natural History.

I took a little display promoting my blogger site and had a fabulous day talking to other naturalists who have a similar passion for hoverflies, who knew there were so many. Of course, the current president is a hoverfly enthusiast himself, Derek Whiteley.

Anyway, here are some thoughts and sound bites I took from this conference. Apologies in advance if I have mis-quoted any of the speakers, these are just my takeaway thoughts, ideas, questions, and important points. Some of these relate to thoughts about hoverflies and some don’t.

Hoverfly Genera Volume 2

Acrostic hoverfly postcards

Each slide explores a different genus: The genus name is split such that each letter forms a sentence, highlighting unique features of the incredible syrphids within each group, posted alongside artwork and habitat preferences.

All the photographs and artwork featured are my own, making this a truly personal project.

Just added Meliscaeva 22nd February, 

For more Acrostic postcards click on the links below:

Scaeva,Syrphus,Volucella,Helophilus and Episyrphus.

Thank you for your support—every visit helps in keeping this project thriving. 

Drop by often and marvel the world of hoverflies genera!

Meliscaeva

Hoverfly heads under the lens:

What makes them different?

The head of a hoverfly is not only vital, but a fascinating structure designed for several functions some will be obvious and other less so. The intention of this blog is to do an overview of the components of the head that directly or indirectly contribute to flight, feeding, and sensory perception. A separate more in-depth article is probably required to delve into each component, watch out for those posts at some later date. 

Let’s compare a hoverfly head with a bee’s head, which although it may look similar has several interesting differences, see below. I hope to explore those differences, whilst giving ecological and evolutionary reasons for such adaptations and pointing out taxonomical purposes along the way. 

Outwardly there are six external features worthy of examination and discussion. Most of these features are connected to the brain and nervous system which not only processes the visual and olfactory information, but motor control for precision flight to assist in finding flowers and mates, and yet provides split-second decision-making needed to hover and evade predators. 

So, let’s ‘head-in’ and see what we can find…. Sorry I couldn’t resist the pun.

Spotted Thintail (Meliscaeva auricollis)

Spotted Thintail Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis) Wing length 6-9.5mm. Flight all year.

Species to spot in February

Like my previous blog on the Marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) this is also a hoverfly that can be spotted all year round but generally peaks mid-summer with numbers boosted by incoming migrations. Being only the start of February when I write this article, they have already been spotted and reported on social media sites. So, on the next warm day I intend to find a sunny hotspot in the hope of getting a glimpse of one after awakening from its winter torpor.