Microdon analis
Introduction '''''Microdon analis''''', is a species of hoverfly. It is found in the Palearctic. 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.However Schmid (2004) claims that ''Microdon analis'' and ''M. major'' which are cryptic species have been confused under the name ''analis''. ''M.major'' is apparently associated with ants of the genus ''Formica'', the other species, ''M.analis'',  with ''Lasius'' species.
Description For terms see Morphology of DipteraWing length 6·75-8·25 mm. 3rd antennomere about twice as long as 2nd. Tergite 3 without dusting. Tarsae 1 tarsomere 2 shorter than wide. Tibiae 2 with a narrow black ring. Ocellar triangle shiny. The male genitalia are figured by Doczkal & Schmid (1999).See references for determination
Distribution Palearctic Scandinavia South to the Mediterranean basin. Ireland East through Europe into Russia, the Russian Far East and Siberia and on to the Pacific coast. Mongolia.
Biology Habitat: ''Quercus'', ''Pinus'', ''Fagus'', ''Picea'', ''Betula'' forest with fallen trees. Adults are not known to visit flowers to feed but settle on foliage. The flight period is May to July.
References
External links * External images