Melangyna lasiophthalma (Zetterstedt, 1843)

Nomenclature:

Syrphus lasiophthalmus Zetterstedt in Coe (1953).

Biology & ecology:

The larva is aphidophagous. This is a characteristic species of woods, both deciduous and coniferous, in the early spring, where they visit the flowers of trees, such as sallows Salix sp., and ground layer species, like yellow composites, buttercups Ranunculus and Wild Garlic Allium ursinum. Males hover in clearings and over tracks. Both sexes can be found settled on sun-lit tree trunks and dry leaves.

Distribution:

Widely distributed in well-wooded areas throughout Britain. Often abundant where it occurs.

Status & conservation:

There was a decline in occurrence over the untila around 2005 after which there have been signs of recovery.