Hoverflies

Dawn01 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 04:39 PM

I have noticed in the last week or so a huge number of hoverflies in the garden, I have managed to photograph 7 different ones, and think I have identified 6 of them, but being no expert would like confirmation, and an ID for the missing one (5th pic). the last pic doesn't show a name in the title, but I think it's Volucella zonaria.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 05:00 PM

Afternoon Dawn, and welcome to WAB!

Glad to see the interest in Hoverflies - a lovely group.

The first is Volucella pellucens - the pale band on the abdomen's base should be redder with the less common inflata.

The next is a male Syrphus species, but could be S. ribesii or S. vitripennis - you need to see the wing under the microscope to seperate them - the defining factor is the microtrichae, sparse in vitripennis, and all-over the same basal wing-cells in ribesii. The female ribesii has an all-yellow hind femur usually ans vitripennis tends to show a darker one - though to confirm you still need to check the wing for low microtrichae. Look out for the third Syrphus - S. torvus, both sexes have hair-covered eyes!

The next ones are male Scaeva pyrastri, male Eristalis tenax, Episyrphus balteatus and female Volucella zonaria.

Take care,

Jason

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 07:39 PM

I think you have missed out the female Syritta pipiens, Jason.

At least I think that is the most likely from that angle.

And E. balteatus appears to have caught himself a crab spider (Misumena vatia); or perhaps that is the other way around!

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 08:00 PM

Certainly did, thanks Geoff! I remember very carefully checking that one - and deciding it could be male (on account of yellow markings, eyes most likely touching frontally, orange antennae and the swollen terminal abdominal segment containing the genital capsule), and obviously forgot to add it in!

Dawn01 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2010, 05:17 PM

Thanks for those IDs, much appreciated, but I've found another one. I think it's some sort of Chrysotoxum.

Chas · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2010, 06:47 PM

This is Xanthogramma pedissequuem I a think.

Geoff F · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2010, 08:06 PM

Yes, agree with Chas.

Superficially, they do resemble some of the Chrysotoxum species, particularly C. bicinctum; but check the shorter antennae and darker hind leg colouration. The scuttellum is also paler than C. bicinctum.

Chas · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2010, 08:49 PM

hello Geoff,
We have this species in Exeter, and I have seen one in the last few days. Are they common in our area?

Geoff F · #9 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 11:00 AM

From my experience, Chas, they are neither common nor rare here.

A bit localised. Without checking my records, I don't think I have seen one yet this year. But I have seen 2 of it's much rarer cousin X. citrofasciatum.

So it may be worth keeping a watch for a specimen which appears slightly different. Wings lack the very dark colouration and the bars on tergite 2 are narrower. The legs are all orange and the scuttellum is more of a darker orange colour than the bright yellow of X. pedissequum.

Chas · #10 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 12:28 PM

I had pedissequuem in my garden last year which was nice to see. This year I have seen one amongst wasps around the edges of a brook. You might want to see my insects here.. not sure I am allowed to give links to other web sites?
Insects and Arachnids Photo Gallery by Charlie Fleming at pbase.com