Narcissus Fly

Name: Narcissus Fly

Scientific name: Merodon equestris

Category: Minibeasts

Nature Stars: 50

What are nature stars?

About: A common medium sized hoverfly, about 1.5cm long, often found in gardens. Covered in ginger hairs, with a black band around the middle. The larvae live underground, in the bulbs of daffodils, narcissus and bluebells.

How to identify: One of several species of hairy, bumblebee mimic hoverflies. Common around daffodils and bluebells.

Where: Widespread

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 10
• Agility: 70
• Rarity: 40
• Cute factor: 40
• Traveller: 60

Fantastic fact: The larvae damage the bulbs, and can be a pest in places where daffodils are grown for the flower trade.

Photograph credit: Cécile Bassaglia