Help with ID please

ann_miles · #1 (**permalink**) 20-09-2010, 06:27 AM

These two were photographed on the Isle of Wight. Id appreciated - thanks

Gatekeeper · #2 (**permalink**) 20-09-2010, 07:29 AM

The hoverfly is Volucella zonaria

ann_miles · #3 (**permalink**) 20-09-2010, 07:54 AM

Many thanks.

GuyF · #4 (**permalink**) 20-09-2010, 10:06 AM

Hi Ann,
The second one is interesting, it's a Locust of some kind. Adults of some species occasionally reach the UK as migrants, but they're also sold in pet shops as live food for reptiles and as this is a flightless nymph it must have escaped from somewhere. I'm not certain, but I think this insect is a Desert Locust - Schistocerca gregaria (which is certainly the commonest species in captivity), the eyes should be striped and they're usually a lot brighter in colour than this, but I would suggest that it has recently moulted and hasn't fully 'coloured up' yet as all the markings look good for this species!
Guy

ann_miles · #5 (**permalink**) 20-09-2010, 10:20 AM

Thanks for that - it was a friend on holiday in the Isle of Wight that sent me the image to identify so many thanks on their behalf. I will get them to look around to see if there are any adults in the vicinity