Eupeodes bucculatus (Rondani, 1857)

Nomenclature:

Syrphus latilunulatus Collin in Coe (1953), Metasyrphus latilunulatus (Collin) in Stubbs & Falk (1983).

Biology & ecology:

The larva is aphidophagous and has been found on Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense. Adult requirements are little known, but most records refer to conifer woods, with acid heathlands and wetlands also mentioned. It has been found visiting yellow composites, spurges Euphorbia sp., Bog Asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, sallows Salix sp., Rowan Sorbus aucuparia and chickweeds Stellaria sp. and has also been recorded from a garden Malaise trap.

Distribution:

Records are few and widely scattered; misidentifications are a problem, and it may be overlooked amongst large numbers of similar black and yellow hoverflies. There is a possibility that this could be a rare migrant/vagrant. Large scale movements apparently occur out of Scandinavia in August/ September. Most records are from southern and central England with a few scattered records north to Sutherland.

Status & conservation:

Recorded sporadically with no obvious trend.