Might be Melanostoma scalare?

[Dillybythesea]

'One' is still at sea about Melanostoma v. Platycheirus, but after much surfing of the web I've come to the conclusion it’s not necessarily easy, which is comforting, in a shoot-oneself kind of way.

Looking at this female lurking in the undergrowth today, and in the absence of any bird’s eye shots of the abdomen to gauge the proportions of T2/ T3, I was wondering if it's Melanostoma scalare, based on triangular dusting on the frons, pale antennae, green haltere and length of wing. (None being conclusive I know.) Also I'm worried by the bright yellow marking on the abdomen, but perhaps this is variable? Any advice will be appreciated!

[JRsbugs]

The dust triangles on the frons look sufficient to say it's M. scalare to me but with caution! Angles can deceive.

The abdomen is full of eggs and the bright yellow stuff at the top is pollen, they have a very simple gut! The top of the abdomen is being pushed out of shape a little as the poor girl grows with eggs.

[Dillybythesea]

Thanks Janet! And, now you say that, I'm hoping I didn't bother her too much with the camera, in her condition!