Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly

Xanthogramma citrofasciatum

Description

Wing length 6.5 - 10mm. A black hoverfly with yellow stripes on the thorax and yellow marks on the abdomen. The legs are orange and the wings have orange veins along the leading edge and are lightly smoked. The scutellum is brown at the front with yellow behind.

Habitat

Grasslands and scrub with ant nests. The adults take nectar from flowers and the larvae feed on ant attended aphids within the ant nest.

Status and distribution

Fairly widespread in the southern half of Britain but not common. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to May.

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - male - May 14th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - male - May 14th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - male - May 14th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - male - May 14th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - male - May 14th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - male - May 14th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - male - May 19th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - female - May 19th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - female - May 19th 2019

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - female - May 27th 2021

  • Barred Ant-hill Hoverfly - Xanthogramma citrofasciatum - female - May 27th 2021