Species details

Myolepta dubia (Fabricius, 1805)

Nomenclature

Myolepta luteola (Gmelin) in Stubbs & Falk (1983).

Biology

The larva develops in rot-holes in deciduous trees, including Beech Fagus sylvatica and Oak Quercus sp. The larvae in a given rot-hole may be of very mixed sizes, suggesting they require more than one year to complete development. Tends to be found in or near ancient deciduous woodland, but it has also been found in fenland in East Anglia (e.g. Wicken Fen) and a Chalk pit in Essex. This suggests that isolated trees in hedgerows and similar situations can provide suitable larval habitat. Adults can be found visiting flowers such as white umbels, usually in partial shade, and also sitting on leaves in dappled sunshine. Overwinters as larvae.

Distribution

A southern and eastern species that occurs south of a line between The Wash and The Severn.

Status

Lower Risk (Nationally scarce) - Ball & Morris, 2010. Notable - Falk, 1991. Rare (RDB3) - Shirt, 1987.