Cheilosia grossa explained

Cheilosia grossa is a widespread European species of hoverfly. Adults can be found in spring on sallow catkins and the larvae tunnel in the stems of various thistle species.^[1]

Description

For terms see Morphology of Diptera

The wing length is 8·5-11·75 mm. Differs from Cheilosia chrysocoma in these characters. Segment 3 of antennae brown to black. Pubescence foxy-tawny. All tarsi segments black.^{[2] [3] [4] [5] [6]}

Distribution

Most of the Palearctic and the western North America. ^{[7] [8] [9]}

Biology

Deciduous forest in open areas, clearings and tracksides in woodland and scrub; poorly drained pasture. Flowers visited include Anemone nemorosa, Corylus, Prunus spinosa, Ranunculus, Salix, Taraxacum, Tussilago. Flies in March and April, (later at higher altitudes).^{[10] [11]}

Notes and References

1. Book: Stubbs, Alan E. . Falk, Steven J.. 1983 . British Hoverflies: An Illustrated Identification Guide. 251, xvpp . British Entomological & Natural History Society.
2. Van Veen, M. (2004) Hoverflies of Northwest Europe: identification keys to the Syrphidae. 256pp. KNNV Publishing, Utrecht.addendum
3. Van der Goot,V.S. (1981) De zweefvliegen van Noordwest - Europa en Europees Rusland, in het bijzonder van de Benelux. KNNV, Uitgave no.32: 275pp. Amsterdam.
4. Bei-Bienko, G.Y. & Steyskal, G.C. (1988) Keys to the Insects of the European Part of the USSR, Volume V: Diptera and Siphonaptera, Part I. Amerind Publishing Co., New Delhi. .
5. Coe, R.L. (1953) Diptera: Syrphidae. Handbks.ident.Br.insects, 10(1): 1-98. R.ent.Soc.London. pdf
6. Rotheray G., 1993 Colour Guide to Hoverfly Larvae Diptera, Syrphidae in Britain and Europe Dipterists Forum pdf
7. Web site: Cheilosia grossa species information . GBIF . 2023-02-02.
8. http://www.fauna-eu.org/
9. Peck, L.V. (1988) Syrphidae. In: Soos, A. & Papp, L. (eds.) Catalogue of Palaearctic Diptera, 8: 11-230. Akad.Kiado, Budapest.
10. de Buck, N. (1990) Bloembezoek en bestuivingsecologie van Zweefvliegen (Diptera, Syrphidae) in het bijzonder voor België. Doc.Trav. IRSNB, no.60, 1-167.
11. Speight . M.C.D. . 2011 . Species accounts of European Syrphidae (Diptera). Syrph the Net, the database of European Syrphidae . 65 . 285pp .