No, it's not this one - this is a Campion found nectaring on the Buddleia last night, only my second one ever.
The hoverfly was also on the Buddleia (by day) - it was HUGE, reddish/brown I think, the most distinguishing field mark was a bright yellow stripe down the centre of it's head. Anyone any ideas (Colin)?
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I can't help Charlie but the Hoverflies this year have been amazing. I did use an app on one small one, a photo which suggested Marmalade Hoverfly (sums it up to a tee) and since then I've seen a few of them in the garden plus other species but seem to have enough on with birds, moths and butterflies etc. Every aspect of wildlife is so amazing. Learn something new about it every day.
Hello Charlie difficult without seeing but Tachnids are also around
However the Head Might be the Thorax
and the Hover http://www.ukwildlife.net/diptera/syrphidae/helophilus_pendulas.html the most common they are a couple of similars v
The yellow stripe was definitely on the head that's why I thought it was very distinctive - I'll see what I can find out and let you know if I get anywhere with it.
I think I may have solved the mystery, it looks like Hornet hoverfly (Volucella zonaria). It is slowly moving northwards and they can be migratory. It really was unlike anything I've seen before.
OK The froms and head of this species are predominately yellow the distinctive features here https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/volucella-zonaria mainly the brown tergite but it is one of the largest size setting it apart I have recorded this species at Bolton Abbey
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