More Hoverflies : Help Needed with ID's

[tigger]

1

2

3

4

5

I think 1 is Eristalis tenax (but it's going to be hard to ID from this angle) Don't worry about ID'ing this one, just wanted to show you how much pollen was on my crocus!

2. I'm not sure about this one. Don't think it's E. tenax?

3. I'm not sure about this one?

4 and 5 I think are both E. tenax

Also saw 2 Bombus terrestris on the crocus and snowdrops. The garden was actually buzzing again! Here's one of the B. terrestris in what looks like a field of crocus:



Thanks. Jane

[Dogghound]

1. Eristalis tenax
2. Eristalis tenax
3. Eristalis pertinax
4. Eristalis tenax
5. Eristalis tenax

[Jason Green]

I think they're all E. tenax... oh, 'part from 3 then, Dan!

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

I think they're all E. tenax... oh, 'part from 3 then, Dan!

3. Has pale tarsi and lacks any stripes on its eyes therefore its E.pertinax. E.tenax has dark tarsi and usually (depending on the angle) clear stripes on its eyes.

[Jason Green]

Thanks... so the pale vertical... 'lines' on the eyes of No.1 is the kind of thing you're referring to?

[Dogghound]

Yes these are formed by rows of denser hairs and only appear in E.tenax a neat little ID trick that can easily be used in the field.

[Jason Green]

Great, thanks for the tip Dan

[tigger]

Thanks for you help on these. The eye hairs and tarsi tips are well worth knowing.

Is it usual to see these two species out in February? I had several flying around in the garden this afternoon.

Jane

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by tigger

Is it usual to see these two species out in February? I had several flying around in the garden this afternoon.

Jane

E.tenax is usually the earliest of these species to be seen then both E.pertinax and E.intricarius shortly after, then other species when it warms up abit more. They are often found quite early in the year, so not too unusual, but it varies depending if you live in the North or the South.

[tigger]

Thanks Dogghound. E. intricarius looks like a real hairy bee mimic. I will have to look out for it. We are in the south, so will probably get to see a few of these a bit before you in Yorkshire.

Jane