Cheilosia albitarsis sensu stricto

Cheilosia albitarsis and Cheilosia ranunculi are very similar and can often only be safely determined by detailed examination. Any specimen that has not been subjected to detailed examination should be submitted as Cheilosia albitarsis/ranunculi agg. They are robust with a short broad abdomen. In sunlight the thorax may be seen as metallic dark blue/green. The abdomen is more of a duller grey/bronze colour.

Males of Cheilosia albitarsus have the following features:

• A knobbly face with the mouth not protruding past the knob
• No erect hairs on the face (but may have some above the antennae)
• Hairy eyes
• Legs all black except the orange front tarsi (apical segment black)
• The apical segment of the front tarsus is squarish
• Haltere pale orange (not dark, even at the tip)
• Body length > 8mm

Detailed examination is required. Any specimen that has not been subjected to detailed examination should be submitted as Cheilosia albitarsis/ranunculi agg.

Often found in damp meadows, marshy areas, woodland clearings or well-shaded verges and are associated with buttercup.

April to August.

Adult females may sometimes be found landing on a buttercup leaf, walking to the tip and then underneath in order to lay an egg.

Cheilosia albitarsis appears to be widespread in Britain, although true status is hard to determine due to difficulties of identification.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.