Hoverfly ID?

[DurhamBugs]

I saw my first hoverflies of the season yesterday, and I'm having difficulty putting a name to this one. I know that many species can't be identified from photos alone, but I'd be grateful for any suggestions as to ID.


Cheers,
DurhamBugs

[peterbolson]

Lovely photo. I think it's Erisyrphus balteatus, which can have very variable markings but the stripes on the thorax are distinctive.
Peter

[Jason Green]

Morning DB,

Peter is correct - it's the Marmalade Hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus. Yes, the markings on the abdomen can vary, especially around Autumn with darkening individuals (but often the design can still be identified with experience), but I've never heard of the thorasic stripes being used to ID these... but then, I don't as yet have the Stubbs/Morris fieldguide

Take care,

Jason

[peterbolson]

Hi Jason
You're right it's in S&F. Referring to unusual specimens < reference should be made to the distinctive pattern of faint stripes on the thoracic dorsum, best seen obliquely from behind. There is a narrow median grey stripe anteriorly, flanked by another grey stripe on either side, all 3 coalescing into an extensive grey area at the back of the thoracic dorsum.>
Hope that's useful.
Best wishes
Peter

[Jason Green]

Thanks Peter - as I said, completely new to me. I must say, I've never come across a balteatus where I've needed to look beyond the abdomen - but will put the tip to good use net time I see one.

[DurhamBugs]

Thank you for the replies. I'm such a doofus, I can't believe that I couldn't identify balteatus
The best I can say is that I've never seen one which deviated so far from the 'standard' colour scheme, particularly the grey bands on tertgites 1 & 2.
It's also by far the earliest one I've seen in the North-East. I always have to wait until high summer. of course, if the early ones look like this, then that's why I've missed them...