Meiosimyza rorida

Distribution

This species is present in most of Europe, in the Near East and in the Nearctic ecozone.

Habitat

This species usually lives in the herbous plants of deciduous wet forests and in hedges rows.

Description

Meiosimyza rorida can reach a body length of about 3.2–4.2 millimetres (0.13–0.17 in). These small flies have rounded, yellowish bodies with dark bristles. They show characteristic sternopleural setae and anteroventral comb-like rows of black spinules on the fore femora. The head is yellowish-white, with large reddish compound eyes. The apex of the antennae is brown. The chest is reddish-yellow, with a shiny mesonotum and long bristles. The thorax and the abdomen are jointed by a narrow waist. The legs are yellowish. The wings are transparent and slightly yellow coloured.

Biology

Females lay their eggs in rotting leaves, which the larvae feed on. Adults are active from May to October. They mainly feed on nectar and pollen of Heracleum sphondylium.