ID for hoverfly

[iainL]

I'm pretty sure this is Chrysotoxum sp. but not sure beyond that. Found it in Fife today, woodland edge among long grass on dandelion.



I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Iain

[oxycera]

arcuatum is the northern one.

[Geoff F]

The Scottish representatives of the Chrysotoxum family are chiefly C. arcuatum and C. bicinctum; both found in May.

And of these, C. arcuatum is the favourite for woodland margins.

A smallish species with a rather short dumpy abdomen. Segment 3 of the antennae should be longer than sections 1 and 2 together.

There should be some dark hair on the eyes but that may be invisible on your photo.

But, and a big But!

I am from the 'deep south' so I am just quoting from 'Mr. Stubbs' now so I would try to get confirmation from someone who is familiar with the northern species.

[ladyhawk]

I can see 3 prominent yellow bands could it be Chrysotoxum cautum

[oxycera]

OK, let's try again; it's Chrysotoxum arcuatum.

[Geoff F]

There are 8 species of Chrysotoxum which are rather similar.

C. cautum is a southern species but the main thing to consider is that the black bars on the abdomen are very straight sided, particularly where it meets the first yellow band.

C. elegans, another southern species although it has been found as far north as Norfolk, has rather curved black bars, particularly against the first yellow band.

C. octomaculatum is quite similar to Iain's photo but is a rare species of the south coast.

C. verralli is similar to a slightly smaller version of C. cautum but is another uncommon southern species although it has occasionally been found as far north as Lancashire.

All of the others have rather distinctive and different abdominal patterns.

Which leaves, as Oxycera said, C. arcuatum.

[JRsbugs]

Chrysotoxum arcuatum looks good to me..

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Chrysotoxum arcuatum (female) (1)

Distribution..

NBN Gateway - interactive species mapper

Janet

[iainL]

Thanks to everyone for the above info. Much appreciate it - this is a new species for me.

I've also had a look at NBN and this record fills in another 10km square.

Ta

Iain