Merodon

Merodon hoverflies are strong, bee-like flies known for their thick, hairy bodies and noticeably thick back legs. These medium to large flies usually have dark colours with pale bands of hair, making them look very similar to bumblebees or honeybees. The larvae grow inside bulbs and corms, especially those of plants like daffodils and bluebells. Because of this, Merodon hoverflies are often found near these kinds of bulbous plants. Merodon species are found widely across Europe, with several types living in Britain, including some that have arrived recently. They prefer places like gardens, parks, grasslands, and edges of woods where their host plants grow. Adult hoverflies are most often seen visiting flowers in spring and summer, feeding on plants like umbellifers and composites. Their bee-like look and behaviour, including the sound of their flight, make them easy to recognise among British hoverflies.