Trying to nail some common hoverflies, pleeease

[Dillybythesea]

After yesterday's hopeless attempt I'd love to know if I'm getting this or not. I've been re-reading yesterday's tips, plus other threads (again starring Jason, Janet and Geoff!) and hope, pray these today are...
First two Eupeodes corollae?



And then Eupeodes latifasciatus ??

And lastly, another Sphaerophoria scripta ?? (Wings shorter)

[Geoff F]

Sometimes, I'm afraid, a few hoverflies don't comply with the standard 'company colour scheme'

And this applies your middle pair of photos.

It isn't 'typical' E. latifasciatus but I struggle to fit it in anywhere else.

My first alternative was E. luniger but the eye angle seems to be too wide. The long slightly dipped wing vein isn't sufficiently dipped to be Lapposyrphus.

The yellow wing stigma rules out Dasysyrphus species.

So I am rather forced to return to a slightly varied abdomen colouration of E. latifasciatus; probably.

One extra clue with this species is the width of the plain area between the back of the eyes and the start of the rear eye hair fringe. Known as the Occiput. But this is often difficult to see in photos; as with this case.

Perhaps somebody else can make a few suggestions.

ps. I agree with the others.

[Dillybythesea]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Sometimes, I'm afraid, a few hoverflies don't comply with the standard 'company colour scheme'

So I am rather forced to return to a slightly varied abdomen colouration of E. latifasciatus; probably.

One extra clue with this species is the width of the plain area between the back of the eyes and the start of the rear eye hair fringe. Known as the Occiput. But this is often difficult to see in photos; as with this case.

Thanks very much indeed Geoff. As ever your answer widens my eyes to the scale of complexity involved, and leaves me in awe. But at least I feel progress with 2 out of 3. I don't suppose either of these shots help re the odd ball? (It was in the sitting room before I rescued it.)

[JRsbugs]

Well done!

#2 is a male Eupeodes luniger, spots are comma shaped and don't reach the sides. E. latifasicatus spots are usually joined, don't reach the sides and are ski-glasses shaped.

Janet

[Dillybythesea]

Brill - Very many thanks Geoff and Janet. You're very generous with your help! Rhona