Species details

Eristalis horticola (De Geer, 1776)

Nomenclature

Eristalis lineata (Harris, 1776) in a number of European works.

Biology

The larva is of the "long-tailed", aquatic type, in most types of wetland, but especially pond and stream margins, especially wooded streams. Adults are usually found visiting flowers, especially white umbels, often in the vicinity of trees or scrub. They sometimes visit garden flowers.

Distribution

Widespread and frequent throughout Britain but seemingly less common in parts of eastern England. Field experience suggests that it is more abundant in northern and western England and Scotland. Care is needed in separation from some other Eristalis species, especially E. nemorum and E. rupium.