Species details
Cheilosia mutabilis (Fallén, 1817)
BiologyThe larva has been found in the roots of Welted Thistle Carduus crispus, but as this is not a heathland species and C. mutabilis is also known from heathland, it must be assumed that a variety of host thistles are utilised. Adults rarely occur in numbers, most frequently being found as single individuals.
DistributionWidely distributed as far as northern Scotland but with very noticeable concentrations of records in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Elsewhere, records are mainly scattered and offer no obvious pattern.
StatusLower Risk (Nationall scarce) - Ball & Morris, 2010. Notable - Falk, 1991. Rare (RDB3) - Shirt, 1987.