Hoverfly for ID please

pressld2 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 10:09 PM

Evening all!

I think this might be an Eristalis species but I don't think it's in Complete British Insects which leaves me a bit high and dry...

Any suggestions?

Dave P.

Gatekeeper · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 10:22 PM

Eristalis interruptus ?

JRsbugs · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 10:39 PM

Eristalis horticola fits best, would be good to confirm that by seeing the base of the hind femora which should be orange but I don't see anything else fitting.

Janet

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 11:06 PM

That apparent dark wing shade would fit with E. horticola although I would like to check the face colours before giving a 100% certainty.

pressld2 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 08:34 AM

Thanks all.

I have shots from many different angles (which I should have thought to upload from the start

) so I'll sort out some this evening that show the face and the hind legs.

Dave P.

pressld2 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 05:51 PM

Hi folks,

Here are a few more images from different angles. This is probably the best one of its face...

Here's the other end...

This image shows the legs...

And can anyone confirm that this is defecation and not egg-laying...

There's a bonus point for anyone who can ID the tiny fly that is sitting on the hoverfly's wing in that last image!

Dave P.

JRsbugs · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 06:20 PM

I love that last shot! I'm not sure about the fly though, can you get a closer crop? It looks to have interesting antennae.

This pic confirms it to be E. horticola, you can see the orange base of the hind femora.

diggleken · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 06:41 PM

I think the fly is Photoshoppus fabbiness variety amazingerama.

Cheers and apologies

Ken

pressld2 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 06:56 PM

Thanks Janet - much appreciated.

Here's a very tight crop on the small fly in case it helps...

No need to apologise Ken, but please close the door on your way out!

Dave P.

JRsbugs · #10 (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 10:42 PM

It's Chloropidae. Could be Tricimba sp. but don't quote me on that! I can't find a pic which shows the head top, I know I had a Tricimba sp. last year.