Hoverfly? Information and ID

[rscott74]

These two images were taken 22nd July. What are they? I reckon they are the same species but 2 different specimens as the grey area between the "eyes" is more extensive on one.
The shot of the insect near the centre of the flower shows a number of white spots - what might they be?
The marvel of digital photography also reveals that both are feeding as the proboscis can be seen in action.

[Jason Green]

Evening R,

They are the Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus - female then male. The 'grey area between the eyes' is down to sex - males have eyes touching at the top, with females showing more of the frons as the eyes are smaller. The white spotting could be pollen, or blown-out whites caused by either glare, reflection or digital artefacts.

Take care,

Jason

[rscott74]

Jason, thanks a lot for your informative reply. I reckon the spots are probably pollen as the camera hasn't shown anything like this before. I now know the
difference between male & female marmalade hoverflies thanks to you and digital camera technology.

[rscott74]

I put many of my images on Facebook "Hetton le Hole - Naturally" and I will give credit to Jason and Wild About Britain when these go on. WAB, as I call it, adds greatly to my interest in nature photography and I'm sure it does the same for many others.