Two wetland flies for ID please

Tiggrx · #1 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 08:02 PM

I would appreciate some ID help with these two please, both from on/around a pond on Hampstead Heath, London

The first seemed to spend a lot of time standing on the surface of the water. I didn't really pay them much attention but these two managed to get into one of my photos so I thought I may as well find out what they are

The second I assume is some sort of hoverfly, but I have got no further than that. I'm not too sure on size, but I did think at the time it was fairly big. It spent it's time sunbathing on the bogbean leaves which were sticking up out of the water.

Thanks for any help
Aaron

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 08:08 PM

I wonder if the hoverfly is Xylota sylvarum? Looks similar + did have 1 pointed out to me yesterday at Bookham Common, but not a species I'm that familiar with.

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 08:09 PM

1. Are members of the Dolichopodidae, dont think there is enough detail to get a 100% ID.
2. Xylota sylvarum

Tiggrx · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 08:13 PM

Thanks guys, I shall be content with calling the first Dolichopodidae and the Xylota sylvarum looks right - though I wouldn't have got it from the picture in Stubbs.