Microdon myrmicae

Description

Microdon myrmicae is a species of 'hoverflies' belonging to the family Syrphidae. It is a Palearctic species with a limited distribution in Europe (Ireland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway, Poland and European Russia (Karelia). M. myrmicae is a parasite on Myrmica scabrinodis, M. gallieni and M.tulinae (Formicidae). Microdon myrmicae lives sympatrically with other myrmecophiles including Maculinea alcon, M. nausithous and M. teleius (in one location all four species cooccur).