Species details

Triglyphus primus Loew, 1840

Biology

The range of habitats is broad, but generally points to an association with thermophilic environments including heathland, brownfield sites and dry grasslands. The larva is aphidophagous and appear to be specific to the galls induced by the aphid Cryptosiphum artimisae on Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris. Adults are elusive, but tend to be found visiting flowers. Very occasionally they can be numerous, visiting flowers of Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa and Wild Carrot Daucus carota.

Distribution

Rather scarce and local in south-east Britain from around Dorset and Wiltshire eastwards, and north to about a line between the Mersey and the Humber. A number of recent records are associated with urban waste ground and field edges.

Status

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