I.D. help requested

davemangham · #1 (**permalink**) 19-08-2007, 03:22 PM

Could anybody help with an i.d. on this, possibly a Hoverfly, photographed browsing on Sweet Peas in our garden in South Staffordshire?

Thanks

Tiggrx · #2 (**permalink**) 19-08-2007, 03:23 PM

It's a bee rather than a hoverfly - but not sure what sort.

Cazzie · #3 (**permalink**) 19-08-2007, 03:30 PM

Yep, I'd say bee too, but not sure which...

wyevilla · #4 (**permalink**) 19-08-2007, 04:30 PM

With the hint of a thick brush of hairs under the abdomen and a possible scoop at the front of the dorsal side of the abdomen, I'd suggest a leaf cutter bee (Megachile sp). But would welcome other suggestions.

eucera · #5 (**permalink**) 19-08-2007, 05:37 PM

A leaf-cutter bee, Megachile sp. Probably M. centuncularis, but I would need to lool at it under a microscope to be certain.

It is a very worn female

davemangham · #6 (**permalink**) 19-08-2007, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eucera

A leaf-cutter bee, Megachile sp. Probably M. centuncularis,

Thanks all.

After further investigation I'd basically come to the same conclusion myself, but, not being an expert it's nice to have the back-up that this site and all of it's members provide.

Note to self: must start carrying a microscope in my camera bag (as long as it doesn't need yet more batteries)!

Thanks

Dave