Species details
Platycheirus peltatus (Meigen, 1822)
NomenclaturePlatycheirus nielseni was split from P. peltatus by Vockeroth (1990).
BiologyThe early stages of this common species require further investigation because the identification of the specimens that have been described is open to doubt. The available data suggests that the larva preys on a range of aphids in shaded, moist sites. It appears to be a more lowland species than P. nielseni, occurring in upland areas only along valley floors. It is found in damp, grassy situations along rivers and streams, in woodland rides and clearings and around large hedgerows. Adults fly low down amongst the vegetation and will settle on sun-lit leaves. Males hover over bare patches.
DistributionWidespread and common in lowlands throughout Britain.