Golden hoverfly  (Callicera spinolae)

Description

The golden hoverfly is, by comparison with other members of its family, large. It is also one of the rarest and identification is not easy as it can be confused with another species of Callicera. The golden hoverfly also looks very similar to the common wasp, but can be distinguished by its antennae which are longer than the wasp's, and have white tips. They also have just one pair of wings whereas wasps have two pairs. The golden hoverfly has a body which is metallic bronze in colour with bands of golden hairs across its abdomen. The wings also darken slightly towards the tips.

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