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.
Gallery
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 - female - May 14th 2022
All photography taken at the Netherfield Lagoons, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.
