Hoverfly? larva ID

[Kate_Izzy]

This little creature has me confused - it appeared on my blackcurrant bush back in may about the same time as some of the usual hoverfly larvae (which were fairly translucent)
This was about 2cm long, flattened and a similar body shape to the other larvae but whereas the others liked to be on the stems and under the leaves near the aphids - this stayed on the top of the leaf and didn't move.
The colouring reminds me of ladybird larvae but it didn't seem to have any legs.
Does anybody know what it is?

[Matt Smith]

Hoverfly larva as you suspected.

[Jason Green]

Evening Kate, and welcome to WAB!

Yes, of Syrphid descent. There is a good photographic guide to these larvae, authored by Graham Rotheray and published I believe sometime in the 90s. Should still be around for purchasing.

Take care,

Jason

[Kate_Izzy]

Thanks - I'll have a look for that

[Roger Morris]

You can tell it is a Syrphid larva by the fused spiracles and by the comparatively unusual feature for a fly - it has a coloration and pattern.

I've checked Graham's guide and have not come to a conclusion - the flattening suggests Melangyna or at a pinch Epistrophe - but I'm far from sure. I've sent Graham the link - so lets see what he says.

Graham's Book is still in print - not cheap I'm afraid. I have copies which I can send out - the cost of the book is £15.00 to which there would have to be postage - I guess £1.50 would do the trick. Cheques payable to Derek Whiteley.

Regards

Roger

[Roger Morris]

Hi

I have had a response from Graham Rotheray who tells me that he thinks this is Melangyna trianguliferum.

The HRS would be pleased to have the data - locality, grid ref, date of record and recorder name.

You can mail me via a private message

Regards

Roger