Species Account for Phthiria pulicaria
Phthiria pulicaria (Mikan, 1796)
Diptera: Larger Brachycera: Bombyliidae
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Taxonomic group: soldier flies and allies (Diptera: Larger Brachycera) - County data
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Status: NS
Essex RDB: Listed
Threat: Essex Endangered
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Restricted to dunes. Recorded from Colne Point.
Species text
This tiny bee fly is recorded widely on sandy coastal areas of Britain. It is locally abundant on many sand dunes with some 25 known post 1960 sites. In Essex the species has only been recorded at Colne Point, where P.R. Harvey collected it in 1990 and 2004 in some numbers. Larvae have been reported to be parasitoids of the caterpillars of a micro-moth (Gelechiidae), but it is certain that other hosts are used (Stubbs & Drake 2001). Adults recorded from June to August and characteristically visit the flowers of various low hawkweed-type composites. References
Habitats
Recorded management for locations with Phthiria pulicaria
Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Phthiria pulicaria
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Interpretation of distribution maps