Hovering hoverfly for identification

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks.

This fly has taken up station along this short length of fence. It (or a close relative) landed on my elbow while I was taking pics of other insects along the same fence.

Help with identification appreciated as always:



Bruce

[Jason Green]

Evening Bruce,

It's most likely the Lunar Hoverfly Eupeodes corollae though there are six in the genus

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

Excellent shot Bruce.

I wouldn't think Eupeodes corollae. I'm not sure when you could expect to see one but my first pics were from mid June last year. E. luniger seems to appear ealier.

It looks like a male, the yellow spots are too flat on the top edge for E. corollae. I would say it's a Syrphus sp.

Janet

[Roger Morris]

I don't think this is Eupeodes at all - my guess (and it is only a guess) is Syrphus.

Regards

Roger

[Bruce Williams]

Jason, Janet and Roger - Thanks for your help and interest.

Unfortunately the only other pic I have of this hoverfly is a similar angle, however just in case it might help:



Bruce

[Roger Morris]

Thanks

That helps - it is definitely Syrphus

Regards

Roger

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Roger .

Could you tell me what is the key identifying characteristic that helps identify this as a Syrphus?

Bruce

[Roger Morris]

The character you need is hairs on the upper surface of the squamae. I'm afraid the way I do this is jizz but this can really only be done by practice - I don't think I could quantify why it is in a way that is reliable. Slightly greenish hue of the upper thorax is part. Moustach bands on the abdomen a second point but after that, well I'm afraid there are a fair few to get confused.

Regards

Roger

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for that Roger.

I had to look up (ie, Google) 'squama'. ....So now I know what that plate-like structure is (although I still don't know what it's purpose is ).

Bruce

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

Stony Stratford, Bucks.

This fly has taken up station along this short length of fence. It (or a close relative) landed on my elbow while I was taking pics of other insects along the same fence.

Help with identification appreciated as always:



Bruce

Excellent shot Bruce..