Hoverflies for ID

mister_rob · #1 (**permalink**) 20-05-2011, 03:18 PM

Anybody know what these are? The second one was curled up and difficult to photograph. As always, very grateful for any suggestions.

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 20-05-2011, 03:32 PM

Sphaerophoria sp., not S. scripta. You could try using a key, there are keys which could give you a good clue and you have the specimens.

Janet

Anomalous · #3 (**permalink**) 20-05-2011, 07:14 PM

Sphaerophoria

The first is a female (eyes separated) and so cannot be done at all. The second (male) could be done via its genitalia, if you have the specimen (but they are not that easy, always!).

Ian

mister_rob · #4 (**permalink**) 21-05-2011, 09:01 AM

Thanks both. I should really have got that myself but seem to have completely forgotten everything I learned about hoverflies last year. I decided to pass on the genitalia analysis I'm afraid. Bit of a stretch for my limited skills!