Species details

Dasysyrphus hilaris (Zetterstedt, 1843)

Nomenclature

The taxonomic status of this species has yet to be completely resolved. The male genitalia appear to be distinct from either D. venustus or D. friuliensis, and its specific status may therefore be justified (Entwistle, 1995; Stubbs, 1996).

Biology

Very little is known about this species' biology. The larva can be expected to be aphidophagous, in common with others in the genus, and it seems likely that conifer plantations are favoured.

Distribution

There is a scatter of records in northern Scotland, an aggregation in Yorkshire/Lancashire and a scatter of records from Hampshire and adjacent counties. The distribution of records is odd and may reflect recorder effort or diligence rather than a distinct clumping of populations.