Helophilus hybridus ?

[peterbolson]

I've been looking for one of these for ages & wonder if I've found one at last. I think there is enough black on the hind tibia & there are black hairs on the hind part of tergite 5 ( female ). It would be nice to have it confirmed.
Found on Wedholme Flow NNR.
Thanks
Peter

[Geoff F]

To start with, is it male or female? Unless you get the angle correct it can be difficult to tell, but it appears to be male, to me. Can you confirm gender?

If it is male, besides the hind tibia, the tergite colours look fine. The black Y shape (approx) has a pale gap between the stem of the Y and the edge of the tergite. With a clear area of yellowish colour running across the sides of tergites 2 & 3.

There is also a slim pale band between the black on tergite 3 and the tergite edge.

For females, we need to consult the dusting on the frons.

Pages 143-145.

So it all adds up to H. hybridus for me.

[Dogghound]

I agree this is hybridus . Often found close to water.

[peterbolson]

You are correct Geoff, it's a male. So thanks for the confirmation.
And thanks Dogghound.
Peter