Paul writes: I had a quick check through my insect records and found I have seen over 20 different hoverfly species feeding on Dandelions. Here are two beauties I have seen recently. Unfortunately neither have English names but I think they both deserve to be better recognised.
The yellow and black one is Chrysotoxum arcuatum, which is found in coniferous forests in the north and west of Britain. It is just starting to emerge now and can be seen through until August. I found this one at Troutsdale on the North York Moors.
The white and yellow one is Leucozona lucorum. This has a much wider range and can be seen throughout Britain in many different habitats. It is a spring hoverfly, which I have suddenly been seeing every time I go out. Its peak time is in May and June. This one was found on chalk grassland at Fordon on the Yorkshire Wolds.
Great pics!
A fantastic example of mimicry. The first species looks like a wasp, and has presumably evolved to look this way in order to fool predators into thinking that it has a nasty sting and is best left alone.
I find it sad when people refer to dandelions as weeds, as the pictures show they are a valuable source of nectar early in the season before a lot of other plants have started to flower. Everyone should have a few in their garden.