Hoverfly selection for double checking please

[Geoff F]

Today was a good day. A red damselfly, several odd crane flies and beetles to keep me thinking plus the first harvestman this year.

In a small S. Devon wood beside a small stream.

A lot of hoverflies around and I noticed some of the 'common' forms, like Syrphus and Melanstoma, looked a bit different so I went for a closer look. This just shows that you shouldn't take anything for granted.

Cheilosia albitarsis?



Dasysyrphus albostriatus?



Platycheirus manicatus



Portevinia maculata? Plenty of males around but I have been looking for a female for a couple of weeks. This female specimen isn't as well marked as the males, so is she a P. maculata or is this just wishful thinking?



Some of these are new species for me, so I would appreciate a second opinion.

[Jason Green]

Evening Geoff,

The first is a Cheilosia sp., then a Dasysyrphus sp., at least and the last looks right for maculata.

I have no experience with #3.

Take care,

Jason

[Geoff F]

Thanks, the possible P. manicatus is new to me as well. At first I thought it was just another Melanstoma.