Parhelophilus frutetorum (Fabricius, 1775)

Nomenclature:

Helophilus frutetorum Fabricius in Coe (1953).

Biology & ecology:

The larva and puparium have been found in organic rich mud at the edge of a woodland pond. Adults are usually found around pools in fen and wet woodland. They are normally found in lush vegetation near standing water, but both sexes will visit nearby tree flowers and settle on sun-lit tree foliage. Visits a wide range of flowers, especially white umbels and yellow composites.

Distribution:

Locally abundant in suitable habitat in England south of a line between the Humber and the Ribble. Mainly an eastern species with scattered records from south-west England, south Wales and the Midlands. It is scarce in the more northerly parts of its range and is known from one modern locality in northern Cumbria and one from the central belt of Scotland, both areas where P. versicolor is reported. It is therefore possible these records are erroneous.

Status & conservation:

In common with most wetland species, P. frutetorum appears to have declined substantially in the past 25 years but there are indications of an upturn since 2005.