Cheilosia with orange antennae for ID check

[Geoff F]

A couple of days ago, just before the rain! A sheltered sunny hedge with rough grass near the coast, S. Devon.

After consulting the book, I am thinking about Cheilosia bergenstammi. Fairly long brownish hair on sides of abdomen and erect hair on thorax; antennae orange; hind tibia black and yellowish orange.

But there are several similar possibilities - and I'm not even 100% sure about Cheilosia.



Any expert help gratefully received.

[lync]

Certainly worth considering C.vernalis.

[Dogghound]

I think its Cheilosia pagana, the hind tibia and antennae match this species better. However they are very similar. Also a species more associated with hedgerows and woodland edges. C. bergenstammi more of a chalkland species Maybe one to think about.

[lync]

Yes, pagana more likely than vernalis.

[Geoff F]

Thanks. I had considered C. vernalis but thought the abdominal hair to be a bit too dark, the same with C. vulpina. C. fraterna was another physical possibility but the habitat didn't match.

C. pagana isn't illustrated in my book but the description certainly matches, particularly with the spring brood.

So I think a label of Cheilosia pagana prob. is in order.