Meliscaeva auricollis

Common Name: N/A

Meliscaeva auricollis is a widespread species that is fairly common throughout Britain, though prone to fluctuating numbers that suggest the British population may be boosted by immigration in some years.

Though small and dark coloured, the slanting rear border of the yellow crescent marks on tergite 2, particularly in males, help to identify the species. The spring generation tend to be darker bodied than those born later in the year.

The aphidophagous larvae have been recorded on a variety of herbs, shrubs and trees. Adults can be recorded in all months, typically visiting spring blossoms such as sallow and Prunus species and Lesser Celandine in March and April, umbellifers and bramble in summer, and Ivy in autumn.

Prefers well-wooded places and is usually found around trees. Can be seen from February to December. This is one of the first hoverflies to appear in the year. A warm day, even in January or February, can bring it out of hibernation.

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