Species details

Heringia heringi (Zetterstedt, 1843)

Biology

The larva attacks the gall-forming aphid Schizoneura lanuginosa on Elms Ulmus, and have also been reared from aphid galls caused by Pemphigus populitransversus on Poplars Populus, and from galls on Salix. This is a woodland species usually found resting on sunny vegetation in woodland rides, clearings and edges or in mature hedgerows. According to Speight (2010), adults prefer partially shaded situations and also visit flowers in partial shade. This species may have suffered a decline as a result of Dutch Elm Disease.

Distribution

A local species in southern England with scattered records further north and west to Lothian. Field experience indicates that this species can be abundant, but like most pipizines, is missed by recorders who either overlook or avoid them.