This insect is a Dipteran (“relative” of flies) and belongs to the Syrphidae family. Like most Syrphids, it has a yellow and black pattern to mimic more dangerous insects, such as wasps, discouraging predators.

It is a common insect in the countryside and forests; adults feed on nectar and lay their eggs near aphid colonies. When the eggs hatch, the larvae voraciously feed on aphids using their sucking mouthparts. They play a significant role in biological pest control.

Did you know?

Like other Syrphids, Syrphus vitripennis is an aerial acrobat: it can move in all directions, even backward, and hover motionless mid-air, even in windy conditions!

Photo Line Sabroe from Denmark, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons