Meligramma trianguliferum

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Meligramma trianguliferum (Zetterstedt, 1843)

Nomenclature

• Melangyna triangulifera in Stubbs & Falk (1983)
• Melangyna triangulifera in RA33
• Melangyna triangulifera in Kloet & Hincks (1976)

Identification ease/difficulty: 4

Status

• Notable (as Melangyna triangulifera) in Falk (1991)

Habitat indicator status

• H3 in Stubbs (1982)

Sources of information

• Page 144, Pl. 3, fig 5 (as Melangyna triangulifera) in Stubbs & Falk (1983)
• Larval plate Pl. 8b in Rotheray (1993)
• Map here and page 92 in Ball & Morris (2000)
• Page 218, Pl. 3, fig. 5 in Stubbs & Falk (2002)

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Species account from Provisional atlas of British hoverflies, Ball & Morris, 2000.

Meligramma trianguliferum (Zetterstedt, 1843) Syrphus triangulifer Zetterstedt in Coe (1953), Melangyna triangulifera (Zetterstedt) in Stubbs & Falk (1983)

Biology: The larvae, which are convincingly camouflaged as bird droppings (see photograph in Rotheray, 1994), feed on a range of aphids on trees, especially fruit trees and shrubs. Generally found around trees along woodland rides and edges or amongst scrub, including isolated patches of scrub on heathland and moorland. Adults appear elusive and may be arboreal, but can be found visiting flowers, especially white umbells

Distribution: Scarce but widely distributed in England, with a tendency to be more frequent in the south. There are very few, widely scattered records in northern England, Wales and Scotland

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Datasheet from the Review of Scarce and Threatened Diptera, Falk (1991).

MELANGYNA TRIANGULIFERA (Zetterstedt) NOTABLE

DISTRIBUTION Records scattered widely in England and Scotland as far north as Edinburgh.

HABITAT Broadleaved woodland, even gardens.

ECOLOGY Larvae aphidophagous and have been found on Prunus trees and bushes feeding on various species of aphids. They are black and white, closely resembling bird droppings in the field. Adults are recorded from April to September, probably as two broods and frequent the flowers of umbels although they have also been recorded from the blossom of privet.

STATUS A local but widespread species with about 25 known post 1960 sites. The adults appear to be elusive and work in Edinburgh has shown that larvae are rather more easy to find, possibly reflecting a canopy dwelling habit in the adult.

THREAT Clearance of broadleaved woodland for agriculture, intensive forestry and urban development. Shading out of rides and clearings within woodlands.

MANAGEMENT Maintain rides and clearings in an open condition, ensuring the presence of shrubs and trees such as Prunus and plenty of flowers for adult feeding.