Micropeza lateralis
One of two Micropeza species with extensive areas of yellow on the thorax (cf Micropeza grallatrix). They are differentiated by the colour pattern on the thorax and by the colour of the antennal flagellomere.
Identification: Thorax: Mesonotum brown (burnt sienna), 2 anterior thin black stripes & 2 posterior thin yellow stripes. Pleura with an upper golden yellow stripe, below this a burnt umber stripe and finally more golden yellow on the lower pleura and all coxae. Head: Centre of occiput with a yellow spot. Genae and lower occiput yellow, white dusted towards the mouth. Antennae: First antennal flagellomere segment black. Legs: Hind femur with two black rings
Distribution
Europe: Countries (published, Czech Republic & Spain to be added), online at Fauna Europaea, Occurrences at GBIF
UK: Recording Scheme map of occurrences 2016 (verified.) Online (NBN Atlas) via Easy maps or Interactive Atlas
Not precisely known. It seems to be a rather thermophilous species; according to Uffen & Chandler (2010) adults can be regularly encountered in growths of broom (Cytisus scoparius) which may serve as the host plant of this species (Roháček, 2016). Further evidence of Cytisus scoparius as the host comes from Alan (1982), the many field observations in Nottinghamshire by Dipterists Forum dipterists and by the report that the species may have been introduced to North America in the root boles of Broom when that was introduced as an ornamental plant (where the plant is now an invasive pest.) (Hoebeke et al., 2016)
Avoids dry open heaths