Hoverfly - melanostoma sp. ?

[Lord V]

Guessing this is a melanostoma sp. hover feeding on a Japanese anemone flower ?
Brian v.

[JRsbugs]

It looks like Platycheirus scutatus, the angled spots and dusted face are right for this. It's one which I have and seems to be fairly common.

[Dillybythesea]

So (if it's OK to ask, Janet?) are we saying it's only the male Platycheirus scutatus that has the thickish hairs hanging off the front tibia like mine today? Lord V's individual doesn't look the same? (Although I suppose his exceptional camerawork, photographic experience, skill, kit, ingenuity, etc, etc, might have some bearing on why mine don't look like his...?!) ()

[JRsbugs]

Yes it's only the males which have the fancy front legs.

It's a combination of face shape, dusting on face and frons, lower part of antennae orange; shape, colour and number of spots on the abdomen but also other small features are taken into account with many such as leg colour. You get to know your regulars.

[Dillybythesea]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

You get to know your regulars.

I do so hope you're right! And thanks again for all the tips! ATB, Rhona

[Lord V]

Thanks for the ID Janet
Brian v.