Species details
Melangyna lasiophthalma (Zetterstedt, 1843)
NomenclatureSyrphus lasiophthalmus Zetterstedt in Coe (1953).
BiologyThe larva is aphidophagous. This is a characteristic species of woods, both deciduous and coniferous, in the early spring, where they visit the flowers of trees, such as sallows Salix sp., and ground layer species, like yellow composites, buttercups Ranunculus and Wild Garlic Allium ursinum. Males hover in clearings and over tracks. Both sexes can be found settled on sun-lit tree trunks and dry leaves.
DistributionWidely distributed in well-wooded areas throughout Britain. Often abundant where it occurs.