About Sericomyia superbiens (Müller, 1776)
Sericomyia (Arctophila) superbiens, with the scientific name Sericomyia superbiens (Müller, 1776), is a Palearctic species of hoverfly that mimics bumblebees. Its range extends from Scandinavia south to the Pyrenees, and from Ireland east through Northern Europe, Central Europe, and Southern Europe (including Italy and Yugoslavia) into European Russia. South of northern France, this species is largely confined to mountain ranges. Its habitat includes Alnus, Quercus, and Betula woodland with Salix, coniferous (Picea) woodland, and areas growing among Alnus and Salix. It can also be found near springs, in wet flushes, and along streams in grassland. Flowers that this hoverfly visits include white umbellifers, composites, Cirsium vulgare, Centaurea, Ranunculus, Rubus, Scabiosa, Succisa pratensis, Mentha aquatica, and Sonchus. The adult fly is active in late summer and autumn, from the end of July through October. Its larva is thought to be aquatic, and feeds microphagously on debris in semi-liquid mud near streams and springs.
