Parsley Cheilosia

Cheilosia pagana

Description

Wing length 5 - 8.5mm. Shiny black with bright orange antennae and mostly pale legs. The wings are lightly tinted.

Habitat

Wooded and open sites, where the adults visit flowers, including buttercups and umbellifers. The larvae feed on the decaying roots of umbellifers, including Cow Parsley,  Anthriscus sylvestris.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout Britain. Common on the reserve.

Best time to see

March to October.