3 Hoverflies for ID please

[laetoli]

Please would someone ID these hoverflies for me.
Thanks,
Paul

[Africa]

The first one is Episyrphus balteatus. The second one could be Eristalis. The last one could be Eupeodes corollae.

[Jason Green]

Evening Paul,

Episyrphus balteatus, Eristalis sp., and E. luniger, I think.

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

Agree with #1 Episyrphus balteatus female
#2 Eristalis tenax female
#3 Eupeodes corollae female, those spots really do look to reach the edge.

Janet

[Jason Green]

Note the greyish areas on the anterior and posterior margins of the abdominal segments. The most reliable marking is the left-hand one on T2. Those on T2 on the right and then T3 are either obscured by the wing or photographic glare. The frons is a good feature too - look at the longitudinal line almost reaching the antennal bases.

Certainly E. luniger

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Note the greyish areas on the anterior and posterior margins of the abdominal segments. The most reliable marking is the left-hand one on T2. Those on T2 on the right and then T3 are either obscured by the wing or photographic glare. The frons is a good feature too - look at the longitudinal line almost reaching the antennal bases.

Certainly E. luniger

Think again Jason, note the spots on the right side reaching and bleeding into the margin of the abdomen. Photographic effects have distorted the other side, besides you can't see the margin.

[Jason Green]

The only reliable section worth examining here is the left side of T2. The photographic effects at play here are affecting the right-hand side, such as the wing covering the margin on T2 and glare covering it on T3. The left-hand side is unobstructed and the clear black line (the margin, usefully) is not intercepted by 'bleeding'.

Elsewhere the abdomen generally appears flattened away from the anterior/posterior margins. You can also see the greyish bands on the rear margins too. E. corollae also has a rounder habitus than luniger - this looks quite slim, esp. for a female insect.

Next, look at the vertex. There is clearly a longitudinal extension to the black you find around the ocelli. This isn't apparent in corollae.

[laetoli]

Thanks for these ids people. Fascinating debate. Here're two more shots of the same individual. Hopefully they will help resolve the issue. I've got some more of what I think is the same species but were taken 20 minutes later so I can't be sure it's the same individual.

Take care,
Paul

[Jason Green]

Yes, the first is definately luniger. Not sure the second is further identifiable, but a great Eupeodes flight shot, none-the-less!

I think the second one is also luniger, from the apparent dark hairs near the vertex.

[laetoli]

Hi Jason - it's definately the same individual - I've got about 15 shots taken at 14:03 on the 18th May 2011, of which all three of these are examples. The beast starts off on the leaf and takes off and then extends its legs in-flight.
Best wishes,
Paul