A couple more flies for ID if you would be so kind

timmypreston · #1 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:34 PM

The were taken earlier this month in Shropshire at the side of a big pool in shaded undergrowth.

Is this one a hoverfly of some description?

Many Thanks for your time, it is appreciated.

Tim

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:41 PM

First is a syrphid, looks much like Cheilosia variabilis but these are not an easy bunch.

Second isn't a syrphid, it's a calyptrate but without seeing it closer it's difficult to say which family it belongs to. The abdomen does look to have distinctive marking which doesn't ring a bell. Close shots of the thorax, legs and face are usually necessary but someone might recognise the pattern.

Janet

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:42 PM

Evening Tim,

The first is from the Pipiza/Pipizela genus I believe - best identified with a specimen/microscope/key.

Take care,

Jason

Matt Smith · #4 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:44 PM

Second fly is the hoverfly Portevinia maculata - my guess would be the photo was taken on a wild garlic / ramsons leaf?

PS It helps if you post up "full sized" pics so we can get a good look at the detail.

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Close shots of the thorax, legs and face are usually necessary but someone might recognise the pattern.

I recognise the pattern! Try the Syrphid Portevinia maculata.

JRsbugs · #6 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

I recognise the pattern! Try the Syrphid Portevinia maculata.

Yes that looks right! The eyes on this one don't look at all like a syrphid, at least from a distance.

JRsbugs · #7 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Smith

Second fly is the hoverfly Portevinia maculata - my guess would be the photo was taken on a wild garlic / ramsons leaf?

PS It helps if you post up "full sized" pics so we can get a good look at the detail.

Sorry Matt, you got it first!

Geoff F · #8 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:54 PM

We definitely need some bigger images for these two interesting creatures, Tim.

So, lets see if I can start another discussion.

From the little that I can see of the first image, it doesn't seem quite hairy enough for Pipiza and that shiny abdomen with darkish wings makes me think that Janet's suggestion of Cheilosia variabilis is quite possible. I am seeing a few recently.

Any idea of size, Tim? C. variabilis is relatively large and a lot bigger than Pipiza.

And I see that while I am typing, Matt has come up with the same answer as me for the second photo. Portevinia maculata.

They appear to have finished for this year where I live. But this was a very good year for them with over 40 males being present on some days and even a few females which I normally find hard to locate.

timmypreston · #9 (**permalink**) 31-05-2011, 08:57 PM

You lot are genius'

Does this help? Link I am afraid to my Flickr account.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3315346...n/photostream/

Thanks
Tim

Geoff F · #10 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 06:57 PM

Not a lot better for a tricky specimen like this one I'm afraid, Tim.

But from what I can see, the third antennae segment seems rather round and pale. And the wings seem to have an all over darkish colour.

Which tends to confirm the Cheilosia variabilis suggestion for me.

But this is just a suggestion and not a confirmed identification.