Species details

Cheilosia mutabilis (Fallén, 1817)

Biology

The 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.

Distribution

Widely 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.

Status

Lower Risk (Nationall scarce) - Ball & Morris, 2010. Notable - Falk, 1991. Rare (RDB3) - Shirt, 1987.