Hoverfly on for ID

nikolai_avenger · #1 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 10:48 AM

Hello..

Hoping for an ID on this hoverfly please, visiting the Clematis in my garden. Photo taken a couple of weeks back.

Location: SE Derbyshire.

Many thanks in advance. Nik.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 11:23 AM

Afternoon Nik,

I'd say female Eupeodes luniger, though something about the head marking doesn't quite look right - could be the angle, though.

Take care,

Jason

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 07:57 PM

Yes the black area of the frons appears to have a forward extension which is wider than the normal Y shape; although that could just be a shadow.

But uncertain Eupeodes specimens are something of a minefield, so I would like a much larger and clearer image showing alternative angles before committing myself here.

nikolai_avenger · #4 (**permalink**) 20-09-2010, 08:37 AM

Lads, many thanks for the above. Unfortunately just the one picture on this occasion.

How does one actually differentiate between male and female in hoverflies..?

Best regards, Nik.

JRsbugs · #5 (**permalink**) 20-09-2010, 08:54 AM

It looks like Eupeodes luniger to me, I don't think there's another which it could be. The main pointer here is the shape of the spots, and the fact they don't reach the edges of the abdomen.

Females generally have eyes widely separared, but that's not always the case such as in Tachinidae and a few others.

Janet