A robust all black, shiny hoverfly and only separated from C. albitarsus recently. Males have yellow front tarsi. Females cannot be separated but males can distinguished by the shape of the apical segments of the front tarsi which in C. ranunculi taper towards the tarsal claws.

Cheilosia albitarsus males have the apical segments of the front tarsi that are more square.

Grassland, particularly feeding on buttercups.

April - July

The larvae feed on buttercups.

Probably common but under-recorded.

Probably frequent but under-recorded.