Xylota segnis & Melanostoma scalare difference

[Lesinlondon]

Does anyone know how to distinguish between the two.


Xylota segnis


Melanostoma scalare

[Jason Green]

Hi Les,

Well, I've never seen X. segnis yet so can only go by internet images. To me, the legs of segnis are longer with bolder femora and obvious hairs on their ventral surface. The antennae of segnis point downwards whereas scalare's are forward-facing.

From certin angles I suspect some Platycheirus spp. could be confused too.

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

Les, take a look at my images on the Syrphid thread. Xylota segnis has a yellowish band across the abdomen, but in general the legs as Jason says are swollen on the hind femora and the face looks much different.

Your M. scalare could be M. mellinum, without seeing the face more clearly you can't see the white dust triangles sufficiently, M. mellinum has them too but not as well dusted.

Eventually you will recognise them on sight.

Janet

[Lesinlondon]

Hi Jason,

Thanks for your thoughts. I have images of M. scalare where antennae are pointing down - that's if the're labled correctly. I'll go with the legs and have a search around. Thanks. Les.

Janet: Thanks, I'll have a look. I'm trying to id these species from some pics I took last year. Les.

[Lesinlondon]

I can see a difference in the legs of these two species in my images. Xylota segnis does have thicker/stronger looking legs.

Looking at that thread, I think I have identified Sphaerophoria scripta, possible.



Thanks both.
Les.

[Dogghound]

Definately a male Sphaerophoria scripta. Note the full yellow thoratic stripe (along the length of thorax) on the side of its thorax. This would go either halfway or the abdomen would not exceed the length of the wings in other species.

[Lesinlondon]

Thanks for that info and confirmation, Dogghound.