Species details

Eristalis rupium Fabricius, 1805

Biology

The larva is of the "long-tailed" type and is apparently found in clean-water situations, such as spring-fed permanent streams. Adults are usually found in fairly open situations such as wet meadows and streamsides with abundant flowers, often in the uplands (to about 300m). They can sometimes be found in glades in conifer plantations where flowers are abundant.

Distribution

This is a northern and western species which can be very local, even in apparently suitable areas. Care is needed in identification as it can be confused with E. horticola.

Status

Was listed as "Notable" by Falk, 1991, but dropped from this status by Ball & Morris, 2010 who consider it LOWER RISK.