Black Hoverfly

Toby · #1 (**permalink**) 24-05-2009, 09:16 PM

Bushy park, SW London, on nettles in woodland by slow moving stream. So many similar species, is there a chance to narrow to genus at least from a photo?

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 24-05-2009, 10:00 PM

Cheilosia, if I had to choose I would say Cheilosia variabilis but there's a lot of very similar C. species. I think this one tends to hold it's wings in a delta fashion but so may some others. There's also the matter of when they emerge, something I don't have access to.

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Cheilosia variabilis (male) (3)

Janet

oxycera · #3 (**permalink**) 25-05-2009, 06:23 AM

variabilis seems a good suggestion and this is when you start seeing them

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 25-05-2009, 06:31 PM

But am I seeing a thickened hind femur, or is it just the angle?

If it is a swollen femur, could this be Pipiza austriaca instead? Especially if those wings are a bit cloudy but that could just be a trick of the light.

JRsbugs · #5 (**permalink**) 25-05-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff F

But am I seeing a thickened hind femur, or is it just the angle?

If it is a swollen femur, could this be Pipiza austriaca instead? Especially if those wings are a bit cloudy but that could just be a trick of the light.

Nope, 100% Cheilosia.