Marmalade Hoverfly - episyrphus balteatus

This photograph taken in the garden  has prompted me to find out more about hoverflies.  Apparently there are at least over 280 species in Britain. They are harmless and many of them produce larvae (including this one) who eat aphids.  This particular species is common throughout Europe, North Asia and North Africa.  They sometimes swarm and can be mistaken for wasps.

Beautiful warm day - golden September.  Last night the family went out to eat to celebrate K's birthday.