The Essex Naturalist 21
Cheilosa vulpina (Meigen)
This seems to he a very localised fly in Essex with all records emanating from the
Thurrock district. It is a hoverfly of woodlands where it visits Umbellifers. Larvae
have been found in the roots of Globe Artichoke Cynara scolymus. There are
recent records from Brannetts Wood, North Stifford, TQ5880, 31.v.90 (R G
Payne) and Millwood Chalk Pit, Grays,TQ5978, 1994 (P R Harvey).
Criorhina asilica (Fallen)
A scarce woodland hoverfly with very few recent records. Mill Wood, Thorndon
Park, TQ6289, v.93 (P R Harvey) and 22.V.94 (R G Payne).
Didea fasciata Macquart
A nationally scarce woodland hoverfly recorded by Harwood in Colchester in
the 1900s. No records between these dates and the late 1980s. In the last five
years it has been recorded as follows: Lexden, near Colchester TL9825, several
records from a garden between 15.v.89- 22.vii.93 (] Bowden) and Beckton,
TQ4482, a male in an "insectocutor" trap in the security lodge at the sewage
works, vii.1993 (CW Plant).
Lejops vittata (Meigen)
A nationally rare species restricted to coastal grazing marshes perhaps more
frequent in the Thames Marshes than elsewhere. Recent records from Barling
Marsh, along borrow dyke, TQ9390, 14.vii.90 (R G Payne) and Fobbing Marsh,
TQ7384, 19.V.93 (R G Payne).
Melangyna arctica (Zetterstedt)
Mainly a northern species with very few southern records. There is so far only
one Essex record, from Stour Wood, on hawthorn blossom, TM1931, 27.iv.90
(R Leavett).
Neoascia obliqua Coe
A scarce fly usually found in marshes and aquatic habitats in woods. A recent
record is from Elsenham Quarry, TL5426, 2.V.95 (C W Plant).
Neocnemodon pubescens Delucchi & Pschorn-Walcher
A scarce woodland fly. Previously un-recorded from Essex. The only county
record is from the City of London Cemetery, Manor Park, TQ4185, in a malaise
trap, 1.vii. - 9.viii.94 (C W Plant).
Parasyrphus malinellus (Collin)
Described as new to science from British material in 1952. The following is the
first Essex record: Great Bendysh Wood TL6240 19.V.91 (R G Payne).
Platycheirus occultus Goeldin, Maibach & Speight
Recently split from P. clypeatus (1990). So far only three Essex records: Rushey
Mead EWT Reserve, Great Hallingbury, TL4919, 20.vi.93 (C Watson); East
Ham, in Rothamsted light trap, TQ4282, 20.vii.92 (C W Plant).