Help identifying fly please (Drone Fly?) - Staffs area

[Phil Whiley]

I think this is a Drone Fly, or possibly Myathropa (Floorae)?. It was flying around a Buddleia in our garden. Can anyone confirm what it is please?
Thanks
Phil

[lync]

Eristalis (tenax?)

[Geoff F]

Definitely Eristalini family, Phil, but the abdomen colouration can vary considerably which makes them difficult to ID unless you have clear all over photos. The deep dip in the midline wing vein is characteristic of this family.

Your specimen does have a slight greyish tinge on the thorax but not really sufficient for Myathropa florea which is generally a much brighter coloured fly.

Eristalis tenax or E. pertinax are the most likely but a good view of the legs is needed for a certain ID. However, the clear black colour on what is visible of the front leg means it is probably E. tenax.

[Phil Whiley]

Thanks Geoff. I did get a couple more shots, this is the best side shot showing the legs in any detail.

Thanks
Phil

[Dogghound]

Its Eristalis pertinax

[lync]

I normally can't be xexexexexe trying to get these things to species from photos but I've had a good look at this and compared actual specimens. Looks like classic tenax to me.

[Dogghound]

Pale front tarsi and pale band on hind leg and lack of eye banding suggest pertinax to me.

[Geoff F]

Yes, agree with that; and putting the two photos together it all adds up to classic E. pertinax markings.

[Phil Whiley]

Thanks all for the replies. My (obviously limited) field guide only shows E. tenax and the only other similar fly in the guide is M. florae, but looking at other sources on the web and reading your comments I can appreciate how you identify it as E. pertinax.

Much appreciate the help.

Regards
Phil