23 Jul 2020

Pollinator of the day #4 – Bumblebee hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata)

Ardd Fotaneg · Botanic Garden

This small hoverfly looks a bit different to the rest, mimicking a very worn bumblebee. The larvae usually develop within stems of hogweed and the adults can often be found foraging on the flowers. This is a common hoverfly often seen in umbellifer-rich grasslands, woodlands and hedgerows. Keep an eye out for it next time you see some hogweed!