Is this Bombus monticola?

[Geoff F]

Once again I'm confused! Originally thought this was Bombus pratorum but it doesn't quite look right and the more I look at reference images the more I become uncertain. In my garden, on the coast, S. Devon.

Thought Bombus monticola was an upland species.

Any clarification gratefully received.

[CloudedYellow]

I would go with Cheilosia illustrata.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by CloudedYellow

I would go with Cheilosia illustrata.

I'd go with that; a hoverfly pretending to be a bumble!

[ChrisJB]

I wouldn't know the species of hoverfly, but it definitely is one mimicing a bumble bee.

Regards, Chris

[oxycera]

It's Merodon equestris

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by oxycera

It's Merodon equestris

seconded unless does Chelosia have that looped wing vein too?

[oxycera]

well spotted

[CloudedYellow]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

seconded unless does Chelosia have that looped wing vein too?

No, Chelosia don't have that loop in the wing vein so thanks for correcting me Oxycera and Gill.

Richard

[Geoff F]

Once again, thanks everybody.

Merodon equestris is listed in my reference book but the image is of an almost entirely black specimen. I never realised they could be so variable in colour. Finally tracked down a Merodon version which has the same colour scheme as my fly; at Keith Edkins Insect Photos.

So why do the hard to identify species head for my little garden? More questions about insect ID to follow shortly, unless I can fathom them out myself.

[CloudedYellow]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

So why do the hard to identify species head for my little garden? More questions about insect ID to follow shortly, unless I can fathom them out myself.

Most insects are hard to identify. I think the hardest part is gaining enough experience to be able to rule out different possibilities.