Xylota sylvarum hoverfly?

[Africa]

I found this beautiful hoverfly in a local disused cemetery (Western cemetery, Hull). These are my only shots, unfortunately they are telephoto shot.


The closest i've seen is Xylota sylvarum, but any help with ID would be most welcome.

[Geoff F]

With that black hind tibia it certainly looks like X. sylvarum but you are possibly a bit north for the normal location. I think it is still possible though as many species do seem to be appearing more regularly in more northern areas and this species has occasionally been recorded as far north as Scotland.

Once again, I think Roger, etc, at the Hoverfly Recording Scheme will be interested in this sighting.

Hoverfly Recording Scheme - Home

[JRsbugs]

Too far north for Xylota sylvarum? It is 4 years since I saw one, so if Hull is a little further north they have had time to travel.

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Xylota sylvarum (male) (1)

[Africa]

Thank you Geoff F and Janet. The species is definitely within range according to the NBN gateway maps, and I am with Janet in this, lots of species are shifting range these days anyway.
The details of the sighting are:
20 June 2011, sunny and warm, 10:39 am, Hull General Cemetery Grid square, TA0829. 1 indiv.

[Anomalous]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

With that black hind tibia it certainly looks like X. sylvarum but you are possibly a bit north for the normal location. I think it is still possible though as many species do seem to be appearing more regularly in more northern areas and this species has occasionally been recorded as far north as Scotland.

It is quite a regular species oop 'ere in t'north, actually! Never in numbers, but odd ones in most wooded areas, I suspect, if you spend time looking...

Ian

[Roger Morris]

Strange interpretations of North - this species is widespead up as far as Inverness. There is even s pot from near Hull!

Thanks for the data Africa - might just squeeze into the atlas.

Regards

Roger