Meet the dusky-banded leafwalker (Chalcosyrphus nemorum)—a hoverfly that breaks the typical rules of its family. While most hoverflies hover over blossoms to sip nectar, leafwalkers rarely visit flowers. Instead, they spend their time scurrying and sunbathing across large leaves in the forest undergrowth. Acting like miniature vacuums, they feed by sweeping up loose pollen that has drifted down from the canopy. While adults forage on leaves, their larvae live hidden within damp, decaying wood. By feeding on decomposing plant material, they play a vital role in recycling dead trees back into rich forest soil. Because of this reliance on fallen timber, these unique flies are indicator species found mainly in mature, undisturbed woodlands. Active from June to early autumn, they are always a treat to encounter. I was lucky enough to spot this sleek leafwalker during a quick hydration break on a bicycle tour through Sweden, catching it as it rested in a patch of sunlight.