Gymnosoma rotundatum (Linnaeus, 1758) Common name “Ladybird Fly” (A shield bug parasitoid fly).
Flight season…June to October
Size: Length up 4.5mm to 8mm “Gymnosoma” translates into “naked body” quite possibly named, as they are noticeably less bristly; than others in the same family of flies.
Habitat: Calcareous grasslands, wastelands, heathlands, parks, gardens, sandy areas, coastal and woodland edges.
Hosts: Ladybird flies are parasitic and lay their eggs on Sheild bugs, after hatching the larvae bore into the unfortunate Sheild bug. When the larvae are near the stage of pupating, they exit the Sheild bug and pupate in the ground.