Hoverfly ID

[Lord V]

ID possible on this hoverfly, taken yesterday on a very dull day? Guessing totally it might be Platycheirus sp.
Thanks
Brian v.

[Geoff F]

That is a tricky one, Brian.

In some ways it does resemble Platycheirus albimanus where the spots can appear bronze coloured under some light conditions.

But, unless it is also a trick of the light, the scuttelum seems too yellowish. A clear view of the front tarsus would settle this issue.

However, going by how those abdomen spots slope forward, I would seriously consider a dark form of Meliscaeva auricolis which can be extremely variable in colouration at this time of the year.

Some more camera angles are needed I suspect.

[Lord V]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

That is a tricky one, Brian.

In some ways it does resemble Platycheirus albimanus where the spots can appear bronze coloured under some light conditions.

But, unless it is also a trick of the light, the scuttelum seems too yellowish. A clear view of the front tarsus would settle this issue.

However, going by how those abdomen spots slope forward, I would seriously consider a dark form of Meliscaeva auricolis which can be extremely variable in colouration at this time of the year.

Some more camera angles are needed I suspect.

Thanks Geoff for the info and poss ID. Only managed one shot of this- no way it would allow me an overhead shot, I would have been shading it too much.

Brian v.

[Roger Morris]

Hi Brian

I am pretty sure this is Meliscaeva auricollis. My thinking is:

Face - looks yellow - although this may be lighting and dusting.
Scutellum - yellow - no Platycheirus that I know have this
Front legs - not expanded
Markings on tergites - orange yellow and look to have shape of a dark M. auricollis.
Body shape - this is jizz but it tells me something.

Regards

Roger