Species details

Platycheirus europaeus Goeldlin de Tiefenau, Maibach & Speight, 1990

Nomenclature

Separated from Platycheirus clypeatus by Speight & Goeldlin (1990) and Goeldlin et al. (1990).

Biology

The larva is predaceous upon aphids, possibly those associated with sedges Carex sp. However, larvae have not been found in the wild. The adults occur within rank low vegetation and may be found visiting the flower heads of plantains and grasses in keeping with other related species. There are no clear indications of the preferred habitats. Records come from upland conifer plantations, woodland rides on clay and coniferised calcareous heathland in East Anglia. Damper habitats with sedges may be the common feature.

Distribution

Widely distributed across Scotland, northern England, Wales and the East Midlands.

Status

Lower Risk (Nationally scarce) - Ball & Moris, 2010.