Unidentified predator fly maybe?

[brianholland]

I have trawled through my insect book and think that this may be from the tachindae family but I can get no further. I dont think it is a hover fly simply because I did not see it hover.

Would be most grateful if someone can confidently identify this fly which was feeding on a chive flower in a flower bed.

[Matt Smith]

It's not a Tachinid (shape is just "wrong" and it lacks any large bristles which are typical of most Tachinids).

This is the Hoverfly Syritta pipiens. From the shape, I'd hazard it's and egg laden female.

[oxycera]

Looks like Tropidia scita to me.

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by Matt Smith

It's not a Tachinid (shape is just "wrong" and it lacks any large bristles which are typical of most Tachinids).

This is the Hoverfly Syritta pipiens. From the shape, I'd hazard it's and egg laden female.

Thanks Matt. These hoverflies are extremely confusing and some, like this one, do not even look like hoverflies so many thanks for your input - appreciated.

Brian.

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by oxycera

Looks like Tropidia scita to me.

John, Thank you for taking the trouble to suggest identification . It is appreciated.

Now I have to go on the web and follow up your comment - most helpful

Brian.