Species details

Parhelophilus versicolor (Fabricius, 1794)

Nomenclature

Helophilus versicolor Fabricius in Coe (1953).

Biology

The larva has been found in the decaying rhizomes of Typha in a pond and puparia have been found between the leaf sheaths of the plant. There seems to be a strong association with Greater Reedmace Typha latifolia and adults are often found resting on the stems and leaves of the plant. Occurs in wetlands of all types where there are pools and water filled ditches with stands of tall, emergent vegetation. Adults are usually swept from such vegetation, or found visiting flowers nearby.

Distribution

Locally abundant in suitable habitat in the lowlands of southern Britain, and occurring northwards to Nairn. Scarce in the northern parts of its range and apparently absent from many places north of a line between the Humber and the Ribble.