Common Thistle Cheilosia

Cheilosia proxima

Description

Wing length 6.5 - 8.5mm. This is a medium-sized Cheilosia which is mostly dark but with pale hairs on its abdomen, thorax and face, including the eyes. 

Habitat

Grasslands and hedgerows where the adults visit umbelifers. The larvae develop on the roots of thistles.

Status and distribution

Mostly a southern species but there are records from the north of Scotland. It is frequent and widespread in the south. Common on the reserve.

Best time to see

May to August.

  • Common Thistle Cheilosia - Cheilosia proxima - female - May 31st 2017

  • Common Thistle Cheilosia - Cheilosia proxima - female - May 1st 2017

  • Common Thistle-cheilosia - Cheilosia proxima - female - August 26th 2012

  • Common Thistle-cheilosia - Cheilosia proxima - female - August 26th 2012

  • Common Thistle-cheilosia - Cheilosia proxima - female - August 26th 2012

  • Common Thistle Cheilosia - Cheilosia proxima - male - May 5th 2019

  • Common Thistle Cheilosia - Cheilosia proxima - male - May 5th 2019

  • Common Thistle Cheilosia - Cheilosia proxima - female - May 14th 2022