The green forest hoverfly, distinctive for its metallic green and golden body and bright orange wings and legs, has increased in numbers that have far exceeded previous records.

A four-year study supported by Forestry England found more than 450 sightings of the insect in the New Forest. The Hampshire national park is one of only two places the hoverfly is discovered, with the other being Windsor Great Park in Berkshire.

The rare insect emerges for a few weeks each spring and relies on a specific habitat to survive, laying its eggs on decaying stumps and ancient beech trees.