Melanostoma mellinum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Similar to Melanostoma scalare, this is another very common Hoverfly which occurs widely across the UK. In Nottinghamshire, it bizarrely appears to be scarce north of Sherwood Forest, despite favouring a range of habitats. The specimen illustrated below, was found in a water-logged area of Rainworth Heath in May 2016.
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Nottinghamshire (VC56) distribution of Melanostoma mellinum
 
 
 
 
The records for the Nottinghamshire distribution map are currently provided by the following contributors - Derek Whiteley. Andy Godfrey (2006 Sherwood Heath SSSI invertebrate survey). Sherwood Forest Trust (2008 Oak Tree Heath invertebrate survey). Trevor and Dilys Pendleton. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Tim Sexton. Peter Kirby (Bentinck Tip & Void Invertebrate survey 2007). Richard Rogers. David Shaw. Netherfield Wildlife Group. Allan and Annette Binding (Clumber Park invertebrate records). Trevor and Dilys Pendleton (Sherwood Forest Invertebrate Directory 2014). Stuart Warrington. The National Trust (Clumber Park invertebrate records). Brian Wetton. Sorby Natural History Society. Derek Whiteley.

You can contribute your own records to help us gain an accurate status of this species in Nottinghamshire. Send an Excel spreadsheet of your records via the 'contact us' link at the top of the homepage.

Updated January 2025
copyright © Trevor and Dilys Pendleton (www.eakringbirds.com) . .
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