Xylota tarda Meigen, 1822
Biology & ecology:
The larva has been found in sap runs near the base of Aspen Populus tremula. They are usually found in damp situations in woodland, at the edges of wet woodland, or near streams, but nearly always where over-mature trees are present. Adults run rapidly over sun-lit foliage of bushes and trees or bask on stumps and bare ground. Rarely visits flowers.
A scarce species that is mainly found in the Midlands and southern-central England, but with scattered records north to the Scottish Highlands where it is evidently relatively widely distributed.
Status & conservation:
The frequency of occurrence shows a steady decline over the last 35 years.