Platycheirus tarsalis

Platycheirus tarsalis is one of a pair of yellow-spotted Platycheirus species with a strongly protruding mouth and the front legs of the male with only tarsal segments 1 and 2 enlarged and the fore tibiae unmodified. Compared with Platycheirus manicatus, the thorax is much shinier, the abdominal spots are paler (creamy-white) and the spots on tergite 2 are well separated from the hind margin of the segment. Females are more likely to be confused with Platycheirus peltatus but have the femora more extensively dark and the abdominal spots are squarer.

Platycheirus manicatus and Platycheirus peltatus (similar to some females).

Good photographs required showing abdominal markings and ideally the front legs in males.

Usually found in and around woodland in late spring and early summer. It is especially attracted by cruciferous flowers such as Honesty, Garlic-mustard and Cuckoo-flower but wil also visit Blebell, Greater Stitchwort and Germander Speedwell.

Late spring and early summer

The larvae are presumed to be aphidophagous, but little seems to be known of their precise requirements.
 

This is a widespread and locally common species in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.