Chrysotoxum elegans Loew, 1841

Biology & ecology:

A larva of this species was found beneath a stone in grassland. The adult occurs in a variety of well drained, grassy situations ranging from woodland edge and scrubby downland in south-east England, to open cliff-tops in the south west. Adults fly low and fast over low vegetation and visit flowers, including white umbels and buttercups Ranunculus sp.

Distribution:

This is a southern species that is mainly found in coastal localities, especially along cliff tops such as on the Gower Peninsular and on the south coasts of Devon and Cornwall. Most inland locations are south-facing Chalk grasslands.

Status & conservation:

Trends remain stable with some evidence for an increase, although not significant.