Platycheirus albimanus I think but . . .

[Geoff F]

In my S. Devon garden today (14-03-10)



Probably Platycheirus albimanus female; but the grey spots are bright silver bands and the scuttellum is also rather grey.

I can't think of any alternatives, probably not P. ambiguus and too narrow for Portevinia; but I would appreciate a second opinion.

[Dogghound]

Its Meliscaeva auricollis.

[Geoff F]

Well that changes everything! Thanks.

It was those triangular black areas with straight rear edges that made me wonder about this specimen.

I did see one in my garden last spring but that was the more usual yellow spotted version.

I will have to amend my hoverfly ID notes now. Which causes me to ask whether the silver spots/bands are actually that colour or just a trick of the light?

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

I will have to amend my hoverfly ID notes now. Which causes me to ask whether the silver spots/bands are actually that colour or just a trick of the light?

They are actually grey, this is very common in early or late (in the year) specimens. A way of retaining heat.

[Geoff F]

Thanks again. I'm familiar with silver spotted species appearing bronze in some light but this is the first time I have discovered a grey form of a normally yellow species. Stubbs mentions early season dark forms of Melischeva auricollis in his British Hoverflies book but there is nothing there about grey variations.

Another day and another fact learnt!

I was finding that my copy of Stubbs book was getting well thumbed so one of this winter's projects was to collate all of my hoverfly ID information (at least the species which I am likely to see) together in a easy to use folder with one species per A4 page. Diagnostic information with diagrams and illustrations plus photos and similar species listed for comparison.

The season is just starting and I find that I am continually updating items. But I suppose that is what learning entails.

[Dogghound]

Yes I am currently doing something similar (with aquatic insects), its also great way of learning. Stubbs is the next book on my list to get.