Pine hoverfly

Description

Blera fallax or the pine hoverfly is a rare species of hoverflies normally associated with mature pine tree in Northern and Central Europe. The pine hoverfly larva, which are of the rat-tailed maggot type, normally develop in damp rot holes of felled or fallen pine trees, notably the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), though it will occur with other conifers. Preference is for large stumps where there has been some heartwood softening by the fungus Phaeolus schweinitzii. Adult flies have been seen feeding on wild raspberry flowers, but little else is known about adult behaviour. In Scotland, attempts have been made on RSPB sites to create artificial rot holes in felled pine stumps. This has led to a slight increase in numbers of adults in some areas, though numbers are still very low and causing some concern. Blera is a genus of hoverflies. It is primarily a North American genus, though there are 3 species from Europe.