Species details

Platycheirus amplus Curran, 1927

Biology

The genus Platycheirus comprises a range of aphid-feeding predators, many of which are associated with aphids on sedges Carex sp. The precise ecology of P. amplus is unknown. Adults have been found in wet situations including poor fen, wet meadows and moorland flushes. Most records are dated June or July.

Distribution

Originally described as a North Amerocan species, it was found in northern Europe and added to the British list by Speight & Vockeroth (1988). Upland areas of Scotland and northern England. The few records show a strong preference for altitudes around 200 - 300m. The two English records appear to be in upland situations and are based on males.

Status

Lower Risk (Near Threatened) - Ball & Morris, 2010.