Lancing Nature

 

Bellardia is a small genus of hoverflies distinguished by their compact, dark bodies and subtly patterned abdomens, often with pale side patches or faint banding. They tend to favour shaded vegetation in woodland margins, damp meadows, and lush garden corners, where adults rest low on leaves. Unlike many brightly marked syrphids, Bellardia species are understated in appearance, but their ecological role is significant: the larvae are specialised predators of root aphids and other subterranean soft‑bodied insects. Adults typically fly from late spring into early autumn, visiting a variety of flowers for nectar and pollen while remaining relatively inconspicuous.

 

Pipizella is a genus of small, dark hoverflies often found resting on foliage in woodland edges, hedgerows, and shaded gardens. They are easily recognised by their compact bodies, dusky wings, and subtle pale markings. Unlike many brightly patterned hoverflies, Pipizella species are more understated, but they play an important ecological role: their larvae are predators of aphids, helping to regulate garden and woodland pest populations. Adults are typically seen from spring through early autumn, visiting flowers for nectar and pollen.

 

Benson (1952) described this species as expanding, and knew it as occurring north to Cheshire. This expansion has continued with records now up to Sutherland. It is mostly recorded in gardens, although can also occur in more natural habitats (Musgrove, 2023). The Solomon's Seal Sawfly. An entirely black species often seen flying around the host plant. Very similar to Rhadinoceraea micans. In Phymatocera aterrima the antennae are at least three times as long as the width of the head and as long as the whole body. In micans the antennae are about twice as long as the width of the head and about as long as the abdomen. The larvae feed on Solomon's seal.

 

Larva record. Found feeding on the host plant in the garden. These larvae are specialised feeders on Solomon's seal and are permitted to defoliate the plant as part of the garden's natural cycle.