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.