RESIDENTS in several Island towns and villages have been taken by surprise by the unusual spectacle of hoverflies swarming through it.

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On Tuesday afternoon and throughout Wednesday, millions of the common marmalade fly (Episyrphus balteatus) — attracted to the warmer weather — swarmed through Wroxall heading towards Whiteley Bank and beyond, from about 2.30pm until dusk.

Reports also came in of the hoverflies in Newport, Yarmouth and East Cowes.

Isle of Wight wildlife expert, Matthew Chatfield, said: "Hoverflies can migrate northwards from Europe in great numbers and the Island is often a place where they first arrive.

WATCH: One of the marmalade hoverflies which have been seen swarming through Wroxall

"They will disperse across the country and provide a valuable addition to our wildlife — pollinating flowers and crops, as well as providing an important food source for breeding birds.

"It happens regularly, but often goes unnoticed, or happens gradually.

"To see them all at once is an unusual and exciting wildlife spectacle."

WATCH: Hoverflies swarming through Wroxall

Back in August 1991, hoverflies plagued the Island — particularly in the South Wight.

In Shanklin alone, once the cooler weather eventually killed them off, roadsweepers could be seen gathering huge piles of the insects and filling black sacks. 

Isle of Wight County Press: A County Press clipping of the plague of hoverflies that hit the Isle of Wight in August 1991. A County Press clipping of the plague of hoverflies that hit the Isle of Wight in August 1991.

The marmalade fly seen this week is very common and a great friend to the gardener.

Completely harmless to humans and pets, they resemble a wasp, with its orange body and thick and thin black bands.

They can be seen in gardens, parks and sunny woodlands. Adults are on the wing right through the year, although they appear in large numbers in the summer.

Isle of Wight County Press: One of the hoverflies which swarmed through Wroxall. The fly was released humanely back into the wild after the photo was taken. Photo: Jon MorenoOne of the hoverflies which swarmed through Wroxall. The fly was released humanely back into the wild after the photo was taken. Photo: Jon Moreno

They feed on nectar, gathering together on flowers like tansy, ragwort and cow parsley.

The larvae are predators of aphids. As well as being a common breeding fly, in some years, huge numbers migrate here from the continent when they can be seen busily feeding on flowers near the coast.

  • Tell us if your town or village has been hit by the swarm of hoverflies by emailing editor@iwcp.co.uk!