Cheilosia soror

Cheilosia soror

Alternative names
Truffle Blacklet
Description

One of our three fungus-feeding Cheilosia (characterised by bare eyes, long wings, partially pale legs and fused antennal pits), and readily separable from the other two by the orange-red 3rd antennal segment. Confusion is more likely with the smaller C. pagana, but in top view, the facial knob of soror is broad and hemispherical (pointed in pagana).

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Although it may be possible to confirm records supported by good photographs showing the distinguishing features, it may be necessary to examine the specimen in detail.

Habitat

Adults are usually encountered on umbellifer flowers.

When to see it

May be encountered from June into early autumn.

Life History

A fungus feeder.

UK Status

Widespread and locally frequent in chalk and limestone districts of southern Britain especially in calcareous grassland, scrub and woodland rides. Records extend thinly into northern England. It seems to be increasing.

VC55 Status

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Further Information

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records