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A few photographs of some local hoverflies are below. Identification to species level (and even to genus) can often be difficult. Some of those shown are only named tentatively and therefore open to correction.
Heliophilus pendulas, Hawes Water, 25.8.2010
Heliophilus pendulas, Brockholes Wetland, 27.8.2010
Episyrphus balteatus, Mere Sands, 26.8.2010
Episyrphus balteatus, Hawes Water, 25.8.2010
Eristalis pertenax, Hawes Water, 25.8.2010
Syrphus vitripennis, Mere Sands, 26.8.2010
Syrphus vitripennis (left) & Episyrphus balteatus, Mere Sands, 26.8.2010
Query Epistrophe grossulariae, Hawes Water, 25.8.2010
Query Melanastoma scalare, Brockholes Wetland, 27.8.2010
Query Eupeodes luniger, Brockholes Wetland, 27.8.2010
Hi Michael
ReplyDeleteI'm no expert but wondering if the last shot - labelled as unidentified, is Eupeodes luniger?
Plus I have shots I've currently labelled as Syrphus ribesii that are similar to your S. vitripennis - but crikey, how to tell 'em apart is beyond me.
Nice shots & blog BTW.
Cliff
Cliff thanks, I'll check those two out again. The Eupeodes looks especially promising. As you say though, many hoverflies are difficult to identiify.
ReplyDeleteYour penultimate species is Platycheirus manicatus. The Eupeodes is as far as I can see E. luniger. You cannot put a name to the Syrphus species from photos I'm afraid - the important characters are microscropic hairs on the wings, legs and eyes.
ReplyDeleteIf you want help with ID contact me.
Regards
Roger Morris
Hoverfly Recording Scheme
Hi, may I use some of your images in an educational display please? Credit will be given
ReplyDelete