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A Batman hoverfly perched on an ivy stalk. It's a yellow hoverfly with black markings, including a marking on the thorax in the shape of the Batman logo

Batman hoverfly © Vaughn Matthews

Batman hoverfly

Scientific name: Myathropa florea
This common hoverfly can be recognised by the dark markings behind its head, which often resemble the Batman logo.

Species information

Statistics

Wing length: 7-12mm

Conservation status

Common

When to see

April to November

About

The Batman hoverfly is commonly found in wooded areas across the UK and will visit gardens. They feed on the pollen and nectar of a range of flowers, from blackthorn in spring to umbellifers in summer and ivy in autumn. Look out for them basking on leaves or hovering in sunbeams. Their aquatic larvae develop in water-filled holes and crevices in trees, but adults can lay eggs in just about any container with some standing water. They've even been known to use compost and wet cow dung. If you create a hoverfly lagoon in your garden, there's a good chance you'll attract this species.

How to identify

A fairly large yellow and black hoverfly. The abdomen ranges from dull to bright lemon yellow, with black markings. The most distinctive feature is a dark mark on the thorax (the section behind the head) that resembles the Batman logo, though some are more bat-shaped than others.

Distribution

Widespread

Habitats

Did you know?

The aquatic larvae have incredibly long 'tails' and are sometimes known as rat-tailed maggots, along with the larvae of other species of hoverfly. The tail is actually a breathing tube that acts a bit like a snorkel.