Callicera rufa


Callicera rufa is a Palearctic hoverfly.

Description

For terms see Morphology of Diptera

A large metallic fly with red fur and long black antennae. Antennae segment 1 at least twice as long as 2 with a short arista which is bulbous at the base, then thread-like. The tergites are shining black, 2 and 3 with dull blackish markings The pubescence of tergites entirely tawny red. The legs are yellow-red, the last two tarsal segments darkened.
The larva is illustrated in colour by Rotheray.

Distribution

Scotland, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Balaearic islands, Pyrenees, Corsica, Italy, Greece, and Romania. Not known from the east Palaearctic.

Habitat

Ancient Pinus sylvestris forest.

Biology

Arboreal, but females descend to visit stumps of old pine trees in small forest clearings, or to visit rot-holes. Flowers visited include Ranunculus repens. The flight period is mid May to August.