Species details

Melangyna umbellatarum (Fabricius, 1794)

Nomenclature

Syrphus umbellatarum Fabricius in Coe (1953).

Biology

The larva is aphidophagous, and appear to have a clear preference for Cavariella aphids on white umbels. Adults are usually found in or near woodland, especially on the flowers of Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris. Males hover high over paths and clearings.

Distribution

Widely distributed but scarce south of a line between the Ribble and Humber Estuaries. It is much scarcer in northern England, but extends into northern Scotland. This species can be confused with M. compositarum and M. labiatarum and is very difficult to separate from M. ericarum, so care is needed.