Several hovers for ID please

Dillybythesea · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 12:47 PM

I was surprised to see so many battling the gusts this morning - but nothing very steady, creating more than average confusion. Help gratefully received!
Is this Platycheirus peltatus male?

Enough to say Eristalis pertinax?

How do we feel about Riponnensia splendens male?

And is this one of those S. torvus or S. vitripennis ones?

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 01:29 PM

All correct except #1 which is male Platycheirus scutatus. Note the thickish hairs hanging off the front tibia, the tarsus segments can be seen fairly well which shows some narrow segments. After looking at them for some time you will come to recognise the more common ones by their face, front legs and abdomen shape and spots.

Eristalis pertinax is easy if you can see the front tarsi, they are orange and the only one to have that colour.

Dillybythesea · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 03:14 PM

As ever, Janet, a really helpful answer - SO good to know about the thickish hairs on Platycheirus scutatus' front tibia, and also about E. pertinax orange front tarsi. About to be pasted into The Notes!! Very kind!