Another insect for ID please

[SteveF48]

This hoverfly was spotted on a nettle leaf. Could it be Scaevia pyastri? My insect guides say black with white, or cream, markings

Thanks
Steve

[Geoff F]

Yes I think so. They can be a bit tricky, but there is a slight dip in wing vein R4+5 (about the middle of the wing), the spots have blunt outer ends and the inner ends reach further forwards.

So without being able to see anything else, I would say 90% certain.

ps. Scaeva, you appear to have slipped in an extra i

[Jason Green]

Evening Steve,

This looks like Eupeodes luniger to me - the markings tend to be more white than yellow in pyrastri. It has to be said though, I don't have the fieldguide!

Take care,

Jason

[oxycera]

I would go for Eupeodes luniger.

[tristanba]

definitely E. luniger

[Geoff F]

E. Luniger was the 10% of doubt in my mind. The abdomen spots are rather pale in this specimen, but colours aren't totally reliable.

The spots look rather blunt at their outer ends but some E. luniger, particularly males can be broader. S. pyrastri has a wider eye angle, which isn't visible, and paler legs, which also aren't clearly showing.

[tristanba]

Scaeva is a much larger immigrant species which usually turns up later in the year

[SteveF48]

Thanks everyone, sorry for the spelling mistake, I really must have my eyes tested.