A syrphid fly.  In this case, Palpada vinetorum.  A bee mimic.  Usually about half an inch/12 mm in length.  And quite abundant around these parts.

But typically abundant from June through November.  Not this year, though.

Harsh winter notwithstanding—won’t-let-go winter for that matter, these flies began showing up in March.  Those early bloomers no doubt fell to the sadistic hissy fit thrown by Mr. Snow Miser when snow and freezing temps hit us on the first day of spring.

And yet only a few weeks later the flies seemed to enjoy a robust population spike.  Now they’re thriving.  Odd.

Slowly growing over the summer, their numbers tend to blossom in October and November.  It looks like they’re getting an early start this year.