Mating hoverflies for id

Paul_Corfield · #1 (**permalink**) 20-05-2010, 01:38 PM

Yesterday I photographed these pair of hoverflies mating on top of a Dandelion flower and then got some other photos once they had finished. Could someone give me an id please?

Thanks,

Paul.

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 20-05-2010, 02:22 PM

It's the Narcissus or Bulb fly, Merodon equestris. There's several forms with different colouring. The larvae live on your bulbs, but I still let them live even though they take several minutes to mate and could easily be got! I don't lose too many bulbs.

Janet

Roger Morris · #3 (**permalink**) 20-05-2010, 09:53 PM

Hello Paul

It would be useful to have the data for the Recording Scheme:

Date, locality Grid ref and recorder

Regards

Roger
Hoverfly Recording Scheme

Paul_Corfield · #4 (**permalink**) 21-05-2010, 08:41 AM

Thanks for the id Janet.

Roger,

The location grid ref with Landranger coordinates is SZ022950

20th May 2010, My back garden in Poole, Dorset and recorder was me.

Cheers,
Paul.