ID] Hoverfly - Epistrophe/Eristalis?

[Jason Green]

Hi all,

I saw this in mid-late April 2008. Poor-ish photograph on account of then lack of field experience and a macro lens! No direct-overhead shot either, sorry

Mid-late April/2008

Parkland

I only enquire because it has two colours forming the banding - yellow as usual, and then orange. Just an odd Epistrophe sp. or other?

Take care,

Jason

[Geoff F]

Well I can't see any loop in vein R 4+5 which rules out any of the Eristalini family. But offhand I can't put any other name forward. In many ways it reminds me of Syrphus; so unless it is one of the more unusual species or an early season extra dark specimen, I am rather stumped at the moment.

Perhaps Janet or one of the other experts can make some suggestions.

[squishy]

I agree it looks very Syrphus sp.

maybe ribesii?

[Geoff F]

If it is a female Syrphus, and I still can't think on any serious alternatives, we need to see the hind femur to decide between ribesii and vitripennis.

[squishy]

the wing veins and abdominal patterns seem to fit. so do the markings on the legs.

[JRsbugs]

The marks look more like Syrphus vitripennis, also I can see yellow hairs on the front femur at least. I wouldn't name it for certain though.

Janet