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Heya guys does anyone know if Episyrphus balteatus ever uses heavily decomposed rot holes as pupation sites? I've seen the pupae on leaf blades online so am a bit confused. I've found quite a lot in Fraxinus today with the pupae also! I'm guessing that the tree was heavily infested with aphids? I received a limb with heart rot all through the middle and the adults emerging on mass and dying. Its almost like they emerged through stress.

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Here is a pic of the specimen!

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Not something I've come across before, but I believe most of what we know of balteatus breeding is from crops in open fields, and we know far less about what it may do in woodland when feeding on tree aphids. Although they often pupate on leaves, I have seen pupae tucked away in more sheltered spots. And if fully-fed larvae are seeking relatively dry sheltered conditions, a tree rot hole may be a better bet than braving the Cork climate!

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@Tony Thanks a million for the help mate. That's what we thought alright. I was utterly shocked to find so many to be honest. Just moved to York now mate! Delighted to be here 😜😜😜😜