A rare hoverfly, not seen in Belgium for over a century, has been discovered in Averbode (Flemish Brabant), according to Natuurpunt on Friday.
The species, known as the ‘disappeared heidedwerg,’ previously only existed in Normandy, 500 kilometres away.
The discovery is notable because two related species, the ‘bijlsprietje’ and the ‘duinheidedwerg,’ were also found at the same location.
Frank Van de Meutter, a hoverfly expert at Natuurpunt, said it is rare for these three species to coexist.
The insects require old pine forests on land dunes with undisturbed soil composition, conditions that happen to converge in Averbode.
The hoverflies were found just outside the protected nature area of Averbode Bos en Heide.
This location outside the protected zone makes their future uncertain due to potential subdivision and recreational development.
Natuurpunt stresses that protecting nature solely within designated parks is not sufficient.
The ‘disappeared heidedwerg’ was last seen in the Netherlands in the 19th century and had not been observed in the Benelux since.
The larvae of these hoverflies live in underground mushrooms (fibrous truffles) that have a symbiotic relationship with pine trees.
