Common Conopid Sicus ferrugineus

Species Information
Body length 8-13 mm. A fairly distinctive conopid with a chestnut body, yellow head, and unmarked, pale grey-brown wings.

The larvae are parasites which feed on bumblebees. Seen May to September. Adults frequent hedgerows, flowery meadows and gardens where they feed on nectar or pollen, and search for bumblebee hosts. Very common and widespread throughout Britain.

Classification

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Insecta (Insects)
Diptera (True Flies)
Brachycera (Higher Diptera)
Schizophora – Acalyptratae
Conopoidea
Conopidae (Thick-headed Flies)
Sicus
Sicus ferrugineus (Linnaeus, 1761)

Photographs

July 2021. Back garden, South Staffordshire
July 2021. Back garden, South Staffordshire
Sicus ferrugineus mating
May 2018. Mating couple, local field, South Staffordshire

All photographs copyright © Peter Hillman
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