This is one hoverfly that has eluded my camera until now. For a fly it is certainly a showy one with its shiny brassy-coloured and yellow markings. A relatively small hoverfly with a wing length of between 6.5 to 9.5mm, it is mainly seen in the spring, from March through to May, feeding on flowers or resting on vegetation. The larvae are aphidophagous, feeding on aphids found mainly on trees and shrubs, so a good one for the gardener. Found on woodland margins, in hedgerows and gardens. Common and widespread throughout most of Britain, although scarcer further north.
Epistrophe eligans female, rear garden, Staffordshire, England. April 2017.
Nature Journeys 
Hoverflies are a delight to watch but, as you know so well, difficult to photograph because of their movement and small size. I especially like your views of the marmalade hoverfly that the third of the “Related” thumbnails led me to at
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Thank you, Steve. If you catch them having a still moment, and can get close enough so as not to disturb them you get at least half a chance 🙂
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Agreed. Once they land they’re usually pretty docile. It’s the waiting for them to stop hovering and finally land that can tax a photographer’s patience.
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Excellent shot – I must start taking more notice of hoverflies.
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Thank you 🙂 There are about 280 species in the UK, so plenty to look for. I find them fascinating and quite beautiful in their own ways.
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280! I’d better start now! 🙂
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That’s the brassiest (if there is such an adjective) looking insect I’ve ever seen. You did a good job of capturing that unique aspect especially in the second photo where some parts almost look metallic.
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Thank you very much, David 🙂 The light was fairly good at the time which helped bring out the metallic sheen.
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I’ve just been to that link too Pete, blimey, they do seem like creatures that barely sit still so well done that man in both cases.
– Esme upon the Cloud
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Thank you, Esme 🙂 Sometimes it’s patience, sometimes it’s just luck 🙂
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Really good photos.
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Thank you, Kenneth 🙂
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Never seen this species. Great capture as well. Good one!
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Thank you, Ark 🙂
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He’s a really pretty one Pete, so golden and shiny! Lovely image. 🙂
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Thank you, Jude 🙂
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We have this little fly in the U.S. Just took some pictures of them last week. Good capture Pete.
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Thank you, Peggy 🙂 It’s always interesting to know that folk across the other side of the pond have the same species as here.
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