The Greater Tiger Metasyrphus luniger is one of the most common hoverflies in Arabia and occurs between January and May. They are usually found in large numbers wherever vegetation occurs. Adults feed off nectar from flowers. The larvae are carnivorous and generally eat aphids. This photograph is of a male as the insect has two bands below the yellow spots like markings. Females lack these bands. The photograph was taken north of Jubail by Phil Roberts who kindly allowed me to use it on my website. The copyright of the photo remains with Phil
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
05 August 2013
Greater Tiger (north of Jubail) – Record by Phil Roberts
The Greater Tiger Metasyrphus luniger is one of the most common hoverflies in Arabia and occurs between January and May. They are usually found in large numbers wherever vegetation occurs. Adults feed off nectar from flowers. The larvae are carnivorous and generally eat aphids. This photograph is of a male as the insect has two bands below the yellow spots like markings. Females lack these bands. The photograph was taken north of Jubail by Phil Roberts who kindly allowed me to use it on my website. The copyright of the photo remains with Phil