Xylota abiens Meigen, 1822

Biology & ecology:

The larva has been found in the wet, decaying roots of a Beech Fagus sylvatica stump. It is associated with over-mature, deciduous woodland and usually occurs close to water. Adults sun bathe on stumps and fallen logs in small clearings or can be found running about over vegetation in dappled sunlight. As with many of the species of this genus, it is not often found visiting flowers.

Distribution:

A scarce species recorded mainly from south-east England, but with scattered records north to Cumbria and Durham. The two Scottish records are both literature records from the 1930s.

Status & conservation:

Trends suggest that this species has declined in frequency over the last 25 years.