Microdon analis

Microdon analis
Microdon analis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Genus: Microdon
Species: M. analis
Binomial name
Microdon analis
(Macquart, 1842)
Synonyms
  • Aphritis analis Macquart, 1842
  • Microdon eggeri Mik, 1897

Microdon analis, is a species of hoverfly. It is found in many parts of Britain and Europe. The distinctive almost slug-like larvae live in ants nests. The larvae are hemispherical in shape and heavily armoured. They are believed to prey on the eggs and larvae of a number of different ant species, notably Lasius niger and the Formica rufa group. These ants are usually found on heathland.[1][2]

References

  1. ^ Stubbs, Alan E. and Falk, Steven J. (1983). British Hoverflies: An Illustrated Identification Guide. British Entomological & Natural History Society. pp. 253, xvpp. 
  2. ^ Van Veen, M.P. (2004) (Hardback). Hoverflies of Northwest Europe, Identification Keys to the Syrphidae. Utrecht: KNNV Publishing. pp. 254. ISBN 9050111998. 


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