Cheilosia barbata Loew, 1857

Biology & ecology:

Very little is known about the biology of this species. The larva is undescribed. Adults occur on Chalk downs or in woodlands on clay, or occasionally on sandy soils, as in Surrey where they visit a wide range of white and yellow flowers including most white umbels and Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa.

Distribution:

Mainly recorded from southern downland extending from Kent, through Surrey and Sussex to Hampshire, and in woodlands on the clay through Oxfordshire to Warwickshire. There is also a small population on Chalk in Cambridgeshire.

Status & conservation:

The peak in recording frequency in the 1980s coincided with considerable activity by more experienced recorders in southern England, especially Surrey.