Helophilus pendulus or not, please?

[Dillybythesea]

There are several of these buzzing around the pond today, and while they look to me quite a lot like Helophilus pendulus the paler splotches on the second (?) tergite seem a bit strange? But perhaps there's a lot of variation? Advice appreciated!

[Hedera]

I think it's definitely H. pendulus. I get a lot round my pond; they are very territorial!

[Dillybythesea]

Thanks Hedera! If that's a good test, then they definitely are! When I wander over with my camera they buzz up as if I've absolutely no right, and look at me very critically!

[JRsbugs]

This is Helophilus pendulus. The yellow areas are often a bit blotchy, it could depend on how they grew up. Some have very orange marks. Yours is a male.

The first indicator after the pattern is the amount of yellow on the legs. H. hybridus has less yellow on the hind tibia and very little on the hind femora.

This site might help.

[Dillybythesea]

Thank you very much Janet! A very helpful tip, and a great site too (to keep me going till the book comes out!). Much appreciated! ATB, Rhona