Species details

Dasysyrphus venustus (Meigen, 1822)

Nomenclature

Syrphus venustus Meigen in Coe (1953). It has become clear that this is a species complex and species such as D. neovenustus Soszyński, Mielczarek & Tofilski, 2013 have been split off. More such splits are expected.

Biology

The larva is aphidophagous and arboreal, occurring on both coniferous and deciduous trees. It feeds nocturnally and rests near the aphid colony by day on twigs and branches. It is superbly camouflaged by dark colour patterns and body projections (see photograph in Rotheray, 1993). Adults are usually found near trees in woodland rides and along woodland edges, hedgerows and gardens. A wide range of flowers are visited, especially buttercups Ranunculus sp.

Distribution

Widespread throughout Britain to northern Scotland, but more frequently reported from southern Britain and scarcer in the northern part of its range. These differences may be partially attributed to recorder effort but until very recently this species has been decidedly scarce.