Physocephala rufipes

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    Description

    Length 7 to 15 mm. A strangely shaped fly with a 'waisted' appearance. The head and thorax area are quite broad, and the end of the abdomen has a bulbous ending.

    Habitat

    Flower rich areas.

    When to see it

    May to August.

    Life History

    The adults are nectar feeders, regularly visiting flowers. Larvae parasitise bumblebees.

    UK Status

    Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain.

    VC55 Status

    Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

    • David Gould
      Narborough Bog NR
      24 July 2008
    • David Gould
      Leicester Garden
      08 July 2007
      male
    • Kate Nightingale
      Cropston garden
      13 September 2016
    • David Gould
      The Spearwort Fields, Aylestone
      07 August 2009
      female
    • Kate Nightingale
      Puddledyke
      15 August 2015
    • Barbara Cooper
      Long Clawson
      24 August 2015

    Leicestershire & Rutland Map

    UK Map

    • thebeesknees
      Leicester Garden
      06 August 2015
      Physocephala rufipes
    • Kate Nightingale
      Puddledyke
      15 August 2015
    • Kate Nightingale
      Puddledyke
      15 August 2015
    • Kate Nightingale
      Puddledyke
      15 August 2015
    • Barbara Cooper
      Long Clawson
      24 August 2015
    • Kate Nightingale
      Cropston
      31 July 2016
    • Barbara Cooper
      Long Clawson
      24 August 2015
    • Kate Nightingale
      Cropston
      31 July 2016