Doros profuges (Harris, 1780)

Nomenclature:

Doros conopseus (Fabricius) in Stubbs & Falk (1983).

Biology & ecology:

Despite extensive survey as part of the Biodiversity Action Plan, the ecology of this elusive hoverfly remains enigmatic. There is a single report of a female observed low down on an Ash Fraxinus excelsior trunk, possibly ovipositing. The larva has been reported from turf (continental record) and the puparium has been described. There is a suggested association with the black ant Lasius fuliginosus, but this has not been proven. The larva may develop on root aphids in ant nests. Adults may visit flowers for nectar and many reports mention bramble Rubus, with adults either sunning themselves on the leaves or visiting the flowers.

Distribution:

In recent years there appear to be several well established colonies on the western Chalk rim of the Weald, on the North Downs of Surrey, the South Downs of West Sussex, the Hampshire fringe, and on limestone around Morecambe Bay. There are also scattered records elsewhere including a recent one from Wiltshire. In Scotland it has been recorded on Arran and at a coastal site on Mull.