Philhelius
Philhelius pedissequus
Conservation status: Common in Southern England
When to see: May to September peaking in late June and early July.
About
Philhelius pedissequus is a stunning species of hoverfly that boasts a vibrant dayglo yellow marking. Previously classified under the genus Xanthogramma, this hoverfly features a sleek black body with two striking yellow lateral stripes on the thorax and yellow markings on the tergites. These hoverflies are known to feed on various flowers. Currently, very little about their larval stage is understood. However, the larvae of Philhelius pedissequus have been observed underground in the nests of black garden ants, where they likely feed on the aphids tended by the ants. They bare a striking resemblance to Philhelius citrofasciatus, distinguishable by its narrower banding.
| See also different: | Garden flies |
