Cheilosia scutellata (Fallén, 1817)

Biology & ecology:

The larva inhabits the fruiting bodies of large fungi, including Boletus, Polyporus, etc. The occupied fruiting body loses its shape and becomes a deliquescent mass on the ground. Adults are usually found in deciduous and coniferous woodland and may be common on the flowers of white umbels such as Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa. They are often to be found resting on foliage of bushes and tall herbs in dappled sunlight along glades and track-sides.

Distribution:

Frequent in well-wooded areas in southern Britain but scarce north of the Humber, with a few widely scattered records extending as far as the Inverness area.

Status & conservation:

There was a marked decline in occurrence from most parts of Britain to about 1990 since when there is slight evidence of a recovery. Recorded from 348 hectads since 1985.