Figwort Cheilosia

Cheilosia variabilis

Description

Wing length 7.5 - 10mm. This is a fairly robust all dark species with a long dark abdomen and long grey tinted wings. The legs are black and there are pale projecting hairs on the face. They like to bask on low vegetation, when they often hold their wings in a delta shape.

Habitat

Hedgerows, woodland edge and lightly wooded areas. The larvae develop in the stems and roots of Figworts.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in Britain. Quite common on the reserve.

Best time to see

April to September.

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - male - May 26th 2013

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - male - June 17th 2013

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - male - May 22nd 2013

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - male - May 22nd 2013

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - male - May 19th 2015

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - female - May 5th 2019

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - female - May 5th 2019

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - female - May 5th 2019

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - male - May 8th 2020

  • Figwort Cheilosia - Cheilosia variabilis - male - May 7th 2025