Hoverfly

Description:

A Scaeva selenitica (hoverfly) visiting plants in pots in the balcony garden of a house at Sykies (Thessaloniki, Greece) near the suburban pine forest of Thessaloniki, Seih-Sou. Scaeva selenitica can reach a length of 12–15 millimetres (0.47–0.59 in), with a wing length of 10.5–12 millimetres (0.41–0.47 in). These large distinctive hoverflies have sparse, fine light hair. Thorax is shiny black, scutellum is yellowish-green and the abdomen is dark black, The legs are light brown-yellow in the middle, while femurs and feet are darker. The abdomen shows three pairs of yellow comma markings (lunules).This species is similar to Scaeva pyrastri but differs in that the abdomen markings are larger and yellow, while in Scaeva pyrastri they are white.

Habitat:

Adults inhabitat clearings, tracksides etc.; fast-flying, making a distinctive, high-pitched whine while investigating flowers etc.; usually flies within 3 m of ground; settles on foliage of bushes and shrubs in the evening, to sun itself; males hover at 2-4 m in clearings.