New Hoverfly species to my garden

[Chas]

I was pleased to photograph this small, but not tiny, almost black and yellow hoverfly today, ovipositing, so obviously a female. Should be easy for any expert out there to help me name, good clear markings and yellow femur and darker fibia on all legs. I wait with bated breath as this is the 16th species of hover in my garden in the last 3 years.

[JRsbugs]

Eupeodes corollae, yes a female. The yellow marks on the abdomen reach the sides, separating it from Eupeodes luniger which do not.

Janet

[Chas]

Janet, what do you do for a living, you are so, so impressive! Thank you so much yet again for your great help! please dont go on holiday or anything, how will I name my garden visitors?

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by Chas

Janet, what do you do for a living, you are so, so impressive! Thank you so much yet again for your great help! please dont go on holiday or anything, how will I name my garden visitors?

I spend my time on here, and searching, lol, takes a certain sort of nut.

I won't be going anywhere (hopefully!), too much garden to look after.

[Geoff F]

Yes agree, but there are about 6 similar species, Chas, which only vary in the shape of the yellow spots, as Janet pointed out, or the leg colouration.

So it is always useful if you can include the legs, particularly a hind leg. But, I know, it can be difficult when you only have a few seconds for a photo. Too often I find myself shouting 'Show me a leg' to a hoverfly!