Are these both s. ribesii?

[Hedera]

The stripes don't seem the same width.
1.

2.

[Geoff F]

They do vary slightly between individuals and when the abdomen is curved slightly it can appear different.

I did wonder if the second could be an oddly marked Eupeodes species but I can't really get it to fit into that family.

So I would say both Syrphus with the first having a straight abdomen but the second is curving it's abdomen.

But let's see what other people have to say.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Hed,

The first is only showing the second-half (known as the apical-end) of the femur, but I'd still expect to see a darkened area here if it could be vitripennis or torvus - so likely ribesii. The second isn't showing the femur so I can't say.

Both Syrphus; a nice clean greeny-gold thorax with contrasting bright yellow scutellum.

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

I wouldn't jump to say S. ribesii on the first one, the marks are quite deep for that but it can't be ruled out.

I had one recently which which would appear to have all yellow legs from one view because of the amount of yellow showing, but another shot I got shows the legs to be possibly less than 2/3 black. It might have been S. torvus as I have had that recently but the eyes look more matt than hairy so could have short hairs, being a female.

Diptera.info - Discussion Forum: Syrphus torvus? (female)

Janet

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

I wouldn't jump to say S. ribesii on the first one, the marks are quite deep for that but it can't be ruled out.

I agree - I had only said likely, given you can only see half. Still, it's more yellowy (I think I'm getting a handle on tech-speak now aren't I! ) than any that I find later to be vitripennis overall. The markings on the abdomen vary too much though.

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Diptera.info - Discussion Forum: Syrphus torvus? (female)

Intriguing - I recall you saying you hadn't had it. The hairs on the eyes of female torvus are sparser than on the men - certainly one I'd have investigated further.

[Hedera]

This is getting me more determined to stick with syrphids and a magnifyijg glass! Shall try to catch them again tomorrow and get other views. Trouble is if I approach from the front they see me and scoot! They seem to stick to one area in the garden and "bomb" me.