The Death's Head Hoverfly:

The Tenuous Folklore and Classification of Batman Hoverfly. 

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article about Batman Hoverfly (Myathropa florea), covering its life cycle, geographical range and how to identify it in the field. If you haven’t read it, you can find it here.

It’s a hoverfly with a superhero emblem, buoyant larvae that dive like miniature whales, and a strong association with cemeteries.

The insect we know today as the Batman Hoverfly (Myathropa florea) is already one of Britain’s most distinctive hoverflies. Yet behind its comic-book nickname lies a far older and darker story.

Long before Batman existed, naturalists across Europe knew this species by another name: the Death’s Head Hoverfly.

Celebration of Achievements

This past year...

I often think that, in today’s fast-paced world, we move from one project to the next without pausing and more importantly without celebrating our achievements.

This post is very much about me taking the time to pause, stop, reflect and celebrate what I have achieved in the past year.

Yes, it has been a year since I was made redundant from my role as a Business Intelligence manager, with my work and my division being offshored. It is something I fear may happen to many more people as companies increasingly adopt A.I and pursue greater profitability. However, this is not something I want to dwell on. The past is the past, and I have always tried to maintain a forward-looking attitude. So, let us move on….

Credit: C.Artindale

Batman Hoverfly (Myathropa florea)

Batman (Myathropa florea)

Wing Length 7-12mm.

Body Length 10-14 mm

Flight. Apr-Nov

Discover the hoverfly with a superhero emblem, buoyant larvae that dive like miniature whales, and a surprisingly strong association with cemeteries.

This is a very distinctive hoverfly which carries around a super-hero insignia proudly on its thorax. It’s a common hoverfly spotted from the start of spring to the end of autumn. Often a visitor to flower gardens for nectar and pollen but more commonly found on woodland sunlit glades/rides hovering at head height or alongside watercourses, woodland edges and it’s, eerily, often spotted in cemeteries.

Acrostic Hoverfly Postcard - Myathropa

Myathropa

Welcome to acrostic postcards about hoverflies.

Hopefully you have seen some of my previous postcards, if you haven’t then after reading this  click on the links listed at the bottom of this article - there are 8 more acrostics to find. 

The aim of these postcards is to celebrate hoverflies one genus at a time.

The genus name is split such that each letter forms a sentence, highlighting unique features of these 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.

For more Acrostic postcards click on the links below:

Volume 1 - Episyrphus, Scaeva, Syrhpus, Helophilus & Volucella

Volume 2 - Eristalis(Droneflies), Noascia(Fen-flies) & Meliscaeva

I also write on Substack, where you'll find additional articles, observations, and stories inspired by hoverflies and the natural world.

👉 Take a look here: Easily Distracted by Hoverflies | Mark | Substack

Substack is home to a wonderful community of writers covering nature, conservation, environmental issues, history, art, culture, and much much more making it a great place to discover fresh perspectives and fascinating reads beyond my own work.

One of the biggest advantages of the platform is how easy it is to stay connected. By subscribing, you'll receive my latest articles directly into your inbox as soon as they're published, so you'll never miss a post.

I hope you'll join me there and become part of the conversation.

Riddles, Syrup & Droneflies

The Myth of Bugonia

What links a biblical riddle (Judges 14:14), a tin of treacle/syrup and a hoverfly known as the Common Dronefly? No, this isn’t one of those jokes. Yet, surprisingly, they are connected let me explain.

In my research for articles about hoverflies, I stumbled across one of those curious diversions that so often lead me down an unexpected path. What began as a casual reference soon became an intriguing mystery, linking a Common Dronefly (Eristalis tenax) a biblical riddle and a tin of treacle/golden syrup.

Hoverfly Spotter Aug26 Sightings

Hedgehogs, Hoverflies, Moths & Bats.

It has been a while since I have written a sightings article and for good reason. First came the Commonwealth Games followed shortly after by the European Athletics Championships. Then came the fourth, fifth and sixth heatwaves. In fact, there have been so many this year I have lost count.

All these events have drawn me indoors. I do not cope well with the heat and much like my hoverflies, I retreat to sheltered corners whenever it gets too hot.

Now the conditions have returned to something approaching normal for the time of year, I am back on the trail, hoping to spot and record my 1000th species of the year.

I was curious to discover what remains after such a baking hot summer.

How have the plants fared?

Have the insects been able to find enough food and nectar to survive?

Join me as I venture back out into the wild, starting with my garden then heading beyond the garden gate, to explore how nature has coped with the recent drought and intense heat. Along the way, we’ll see which species have thrived, which have struggled, and which seem to have disappeared altogether.

Credit: K.Hinchcliffe

Hoverfly Genera Volume 2

Acrostic hoverfly postcards

Each postcard explores a different genus: The genus name is split such that each letter forms a sentence, highlighting unique features of these 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 Eristalis (Droneflies) 27th Aug 2026

For more Acrostic postcards click on the links below:

Neoascia,Scaeva,Syrphus,Volucella,Helophilus and Episyrphus.

Visit often to explore the captivating world of hoverflies. Take a closer look at the diversity across different genera, and consider how their clever adaptations aid survival—particularly in avoiding predators and ensuring their genes continue into the next generation.

Eristalis

How to identify Hoverflies for Beginners

So, You've Spotted Your First Hoverflies – What's Next?

If you read my previous article, How to Start Watching Hoverflies Today – No Equipment Needed, then brilliant, welcome back. If not, and you're wondering how to get started, you might want to read this article first (click here).

Last time, we looked at some of the key features that help distinguish hoverflies from other insects in the field. The next step is learning how to get a closer look at them so you can begin to marvel at these fascinating flies. Hoverflies are remarkable creatures: pollinators, decomposers, and natural pest controllers all wrapped up in one little insect.

Once you've spotted a hoverfly, there are three main ways to get a closer look.

1. Observe it from a distance with binoculars.

2. Take photographs on your smartphone.

3. Capture it briefly for closer inspection with pots.

Each approach has its advantages, and which one you choose will depend on your confidence, the equipment you have available, and the species you're trying to identify.

Let's take a look at each method in turn.

Looking From Afar.

When I head out on one of my hoverfly-spotting adventures, I always carry a pair of binoculars. Not for birdwatching, although they come in handy for that too, but for hoverflies.

Hoverflies are remarkably aware of movement around them. Their large compound eyes provide excellent vision, and they also possess three simple eyes, known as ocelli, arranged in a small triangle on the top of the head. These help them detect changes in light intensity and maintain orientation during flight.

This sensitivity is one reason hoverflies can seem so difficult to approach. Move too quickly, make a sudden movement, or cast a shadow over them, and they're often gone in an instant.

Rather than walking straight into a patch of flowers, I usually stand back and watch through my binoculars first. This allows me to observe behaviour and pick out important features without disturbing the insect.

You can learn a surprising amount this way. Is the hoverfly basking in the sun? Feeding on nectar? Defending a territory? Different species often have distinct habits, and behaviour can provide useful clues to their identity.

If I spot something particularly interesting, I'll then begin a slow and careful approach.

With a little experience, it's often possible to identify some species simply by studying their shape, size, markings, and behaviour from a distance, leaving the hoverfly to get on with feeding, basking, or patrolling its territory completely undisturbed.

How to Start Hoverfly Spotting

How to Start Watching Hoverflies Today – no equipment needed.

Before I discovered hoverflies, I thought flies were just that - flies. They were the insects that buzzed around gardens, landed on flowers or, worse still, decaying matter, and in the case of houseflies were generally best avoided. Then one day I paid closer attention to one of the many yellow-and-black-banded hoverflies. At first glance it looked like a wasp, yet it had no sting. Its markings were striking, almost like a carefully designed football kit, and the longer I looked, the more fascinated I became.

Great Pied Plumehorn (Volucella pellucens)

Discover the hoverfly with love spots, not afraid of a wasp and can be hidden in plain sight.

Great Pied Plumehorn (Volucella pellucens) 

Wing Length 10-15.5mm. Body size 13-17mm

Flight. May-Sep

Species to spot in Jul-Aug

A large, predominantly black hoverfly, distinguished by a broad ivory band across the abdomen and striking black-and-amber markings on the wings. It is commonly referred to as the Pellucid Hoverfly, with pellucid deriving from the Latin per (“through”) and lucere (“to shine”), meaning transparent or clear. However, as transparent wings are a feature shared by many hoverflies, the name has always felt somewhat unremarkable.

One of this species’ more distinctive characteristics is its feathery antennae, for this reason, I have begun referring to it as the Pied Plumehorn. The term pied—an adjective describing black-and-white colouration—follows the naming convention used for familiar British birds such as the Pied Wagtail and Pied Flycatcher. The name has since been adopted in several recent publications, including Guide to Flies of Britain & Ireland (2026) and Hoverflies of Britain and NW Europe (2023) both of which seek to promote the wider use of hoverfly English common names.

I have since added the prefix Great to reflect its size relative to other hoverflies that could also be considered pied, such as White – Clubbed Glasswing (Scaeva pyrastri). While these species share similar contrasting colouration, none possesses the distinctive plume-like antennae that make the Great Pied Plumehorn such a fitting and hopefully memorable name.

Hoverflies at the Commonwealth Games

Now for something completely different.....

We often anthropomorphise the creatures we encounter, giving them names and personalities. It allows us, as humans, to feel more connected to wildlife. As a child, I would often be glued to the TV watching Johnny Morris on Animal Magic. His voiceovers regularly made me laugh out loud.

Well, this week’s offering isn’t from a zoo, nor is it a voiceover about the strange behaviours of its inhabitants. Instead, it’s a bit of fun.

For the next 11 days, the Commonwealth Games will be on our screens, showcasing a wide range of sporting events we rarely get to see nowadays. So, join me as I jump, swim, and run into a bit of fantasy—exploring which events our hoverflies, these little superhero pollinators, might take part in.

While hoverflies (Syrphidae) are not Olympic athletes, their specialised and agile flight—including hovering, backward flight, and rapid darting—makes them uniquely suited to mimic the mechanics of certain Commonwealth disciplines.

This is all a bit of fun, but also a great way for me to highlight the traits of some of our most common hoverflies and how they might earn their place on the team.

You may well have your own suggestions—and that’s absolutely fine. Everyone has good reasons for their team selections, and it’s easy to argue that the best hoverflies were left at home, especially when results don’t go our way. But I’ve done my best!

Athletics

Hoverfly Spotter Jul26 Sightings – part 1

Hoverflies, Hoverflies, and a few Moths – July 26

We are now past the longest day of the year and the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. Yet, as I sit down to write this article, we seem to be in the grip of another heatwave—the second, or perhaps the third of the summer. I've honestly lost count.

Many of you have been out spotting hoverflies and sharing your sightings, which is wonderful to see. I hope my article, notes and ‘Hoverflies on the Wing’ collations are helping you discover more of these fabulous flies. I know I’ve certainly been seeing a wider variety of species this year, although I can’t help wondering how the recent spells of hot weather have been affecting them.

Hoverflies are often known as “sun flies” because they become active when the sun shines. However, they are surprisingly sensitive to temperature and, like Goldilocks, prefer conditions that are ‘just right’. When temperatures fall below around 8°C, many species enter a state of torpor and become inactive. At the other extreme, when temperatures climb above 25°C, hoverflies often retreat into shade or sheltered spots to avoid overheating.

In many ways, I’ve behaved much like the hoverflies during this latest heatwave, seeking refuge from the hottest part of the day whenever possible. Despite the high temperatures, I’ve still managed to get out with the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, lead a session for the Barnsley Naturalist Association, and even fit in a little moth trapping in my garden.

Ecosystem – Nature Themed Board Game

Ecosystem - the card game

Designed by: Matt Simpson

Illustrated by: Lindsay Falsone and Martyna Szpil

Published by: Genius Games (2019)

Players: 1–6

Ages: 8+

Playing Time: 10–20 minutes

I have been a board game player ever since I was young. I recall fondly playing cards with my grandma and learning all the different variations of card games. Later I learned how to play draughts and chess with dad, not that I was any good at them. Then there were the family holidays on the east coast where on a rainy day we would play monopoly, dominos and other such traditional games. But it was at the start of lockdown when I was looking for other things that me and my beloved could do to get us through the crisis, that we discovered nature themed board games. Now I have a small collection filling a couple of shelves of my bookcase.

Ecosystem is a card-drafting and tableau-building game in which players create a balanced natural environment by strategically placing cards representing animals, plants, and habitats. It is light, quick to play, and ideal for families and casual gamers.

Does it teach anything about biodiversity or ecosystems?

Humming Flowerfly (Syrphus ribesii)

Discover the hoverfly that delivers the news & sings.

Humming Flowerfly (Syrphus ribesii) 

Wing Length 7.25-11.5mm. Body size 9-13mm

Flight. Apr-Nov

Species to spot in June July

I’m a little late with June’s species of the month—unusual for me—but I’ve recently been “whispered” some good news… by a hoverfly no less, more on that in a moment.

Have you ever walked along a path or paused near a sunlit glade and noticed flies hovering at about head height? Darting, stopping, then settling briefly on a leaf before lifting off again? Chances are it might be this species of hoverfly.

Hoverfly Spotter Jun26 Sightings – part 2

Magical Hotspots – Not Just Hot Weather!

Three counties, three magical hotspots for flowers, butterflies, bees, dragonflies and hoverflies. What did I spot, and why are these places so special?

Many of my posts explore the idea of “hotspots” — places I visit to sit and listen to a natural soundscape, spend time watching nature, or a wander in search of sightings. Sometimes it’s a garden, or a brownfield site, or somewhere a bit more well-known, but wherever it is, you will often find me poking my pots and net into colourful borders in the hope of spotting pollinators going about their work among the blooms.

As a natural historian with a particular interest in hoverflies, I’ve come to realise that a hotspot can exist in many forms and habitats. It doesn’t have to be rare or remote — it can be anywhere nature is thriving.

So, I’d like to share three special places from my recent outings, and what makes them so rewarding to visit.

Hoverfly Spotter Jun26 Sightings – part 1

Rievaulx Abbey, Ashberry Nature Reserve & Old Byland

Tales from a trip to a wet meadow to find new hoverflies, wildlife on a walk to an old church in Old Byland & critters found along a woodland ride. 

Join me as I explore the rich tapestry of wildlife in and around an Abbey in the North Yorkshire Moors. 

Last week, I headed to the North Yorkshire Moors for a cottage getaway. My partner and I stayed at Ashberry Cottage, a small farm just across the field from Rievaulx Abbey. We’d visited before, but much later in the season, so this time we wanted to experience it in spring rather than autumn—to see if it offered something different. And it certainly did.

What made it even more special was being completely off-grid: no internet, no phone signal - just the two of us and nature.

Armed with a hand lens, a sweep net, and plenty of identification guides, we set out to explore the area, never straying more than a mile or two from the doorstep. The weather played a part in our plans, with heavy showers keeping us close in case the rain set in. Hoverflies tend to favour sunny intervals - not too hot, not too cold - which is why they’re sometimes known as “sun-flies.” But this trip wasn’t just about hoverflies. I was keen to broaden my focus to include flowers, bees, moths, bats, and especially other flies, inspired by a recently purchased field guide (review here).

Orange-tip Butterfly – Clementine.

Orange-tip Butterfly Clementine - the second part of this amazing story.

A visit from a female Orange-tip butterfly to the garden in April presented an opportunity too good to miss — to follow the progress of an egg she laid, its hatching into a tiny orange caterpillar, and watching it grow throughout May and into June.

Hi, I’m Mark. I’ve been studying hoverflies for over 10 years, frequently recording and writing about them in this publication. However, I’m also passionate about all aspects of nature and fascinated by all the joy it can bring. So, when the opportunity arose to sit and observe wildlife in my own garden it’s time to relax and simply enjoy the moment.

Clementine was born on the 8th of May — a minute orange caterpillar, no larger than a pencil nib and as fine as a strand of hair. So tiny was she that a hand lens was needed to see her at all. She had hatched from a speck of an orange egg, had I not seen her mother lay it, I might easily have overlooked it.

Watching her grow and develop has been such a privilege - a spectacle to behold, bringing me so much pleasure over the past month.

If you’re new to my publication, or haven’t read my previous article, ‘Nature’s Joy – Orange-tip Butterfly Visit’, then please click here…

Hoverfly Spotter May 26 Sightings – part 2

Freiston, Frampton & Fen-Flies

Last weekend marked a significant birthday for my better half, celebrated with a visit to Boston and the surrounding fenland—now long since drained. Historically, this landscape was very different, so our trip became something of a whistle-stop tour, exploring villages of personal significance where her family once lived.

As my partner shares my love of wildlife, you’ll be pleased to hear this isn’t an article about family history, but rather a reflection on some of the natural history we encountered along the way, including visits to Freiston Shore and Frampton Marsh.

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.