Species details

Helophilus hybridus Loew, 1846

Biology

This species is usually found in the richer types of wetland including fen, coastal marshes and wet woodland. The larva is of the "long-tailed" aquatic type, associated with wet, decaying organic matter, particularly accumulations of decaying vegetation at the edges of ponds and ditches. It has been recorded from decaying rhizomes of Great Reedmace Typha latifolia. Adults seem to stay close to water and are usually swept from, or found visiting flowers, in tall vegetation fringing wetlands.

Distribution

A widespread but local species which seems not to stray far from breeding habitat. The majority of records lies south of a line between the Ribble and the Humber. More northerly records are primarily from lowland and coastal locations.