Furry-faced bee and a hoverfly for ID please

Hedera · #1 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 12:40 PM

Hoverfly:

Johnny81 · #2 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 12:43 PM

The hoverfly is Episyrphus balteatus. The bee I can't help with.

Hedera · #3 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 01:17 PM

Thanks Johnny. The markings on the hoverfly aren't like another one I had ID'd.

No white bands.

Johnny81 · #4 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedera

Thanks Johnny. The markings on the hoverfly aren't like another one I had ID'd.

No white bands.

Just variability I'd imagine. Maybe one of our diptera experts can help more on this then I can.

JRsbugs · #5 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 01:54 PM

The bee looks like a worn Megachile willughbiella male.

E. balteatus is variable.

Hedera · #6 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 04:13 PM

Thanks all!

catbee · #7 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 07:05 PM

E balteatus. I posted a couple of photos a couple of days ago as I got confused - one was all orange and one had white stripes. They were both confirmed by others as balteatus. Variation as you suggest. Swarms and swarms of them about at the moment in Hampshire.