Common Conopid Sicus ferrugineus

Order: Diptera (True Flies) » Family: Conopidae (Thick-headed Flies) » Species: Sicus ferrugineus (Linnaeus, 1761)
Body length 8-13 mm. A fairly distinctive conopid with a chestnut body, yellow head, and unmarked, pale grey-brown wings. The larvae are parasites which feed on bumblebees. Seen May to September. Adults frequent hedgerows, flowery meadows and gardens where they feed on nectar or pollen, and search for bumblebee hosts. Very common and widespread throughout Britain.

Sicus ferrugineus mating

Photos: Back garden and local field, South Staffordshire. © Peter Hillman