Species details

Cheilosia bergenstammi Becker, 1894

Biology

The larva tunnels the stems and roots of Ragwort, Senecio jacobaea and may cause plants to wilt. It is also likely that other Senecio species are utilised. Adults are often found on or near the larval food plant in open areas in woodland (including conifer plantations), rough grassland and waste ground, including derelict urban and industrial sites. There are two generations with the spring generation most frequently found at dandelion and the summer generation at Ragwort.

Distribution

This is a widely distributed species that occurs throughout mainland Britain. It is also known from several of the Western Isles.