Hoverfly ID please? (Cambs, UK) (1 Viewer)

[DoghouseRiley]

Hi All

A tale of two hoverflies, similar markings but very different shapes.

The first I think is a species of Sphaerophoria, the second is very similar but the shape is more cigar shaped.

Thanks

Gareth

 

[aeshna5]

Both Sphaerophoria. Apart from male S. scripta can't be done from photos & females not always possible.

 

[Rotherbirder]

Second image is male Sphaerophoria scripta (wing length falling short of tip of abdomen is a good pointer). Males of other Sphaerophoria spp. require microscopic examination of genital capsule. First image is a female Sphaerophoria sp. None of the female Sphaerophoria spp. are identifiable to species.

RB

 

[DoghouseRiley]

Thanks for your help guys, very informative.

Can I just ask about the body shape? So do the males tend to have the less tapered, more cigar shaped bodies?

Yours

Gareth

 

[Rotherbirder]

Gareth,

In Sphaerophoria spp., yes; females almost look like a different species altogether. As a rule of thumb, in hoverflies (and flies generally?) the eyes of males tend to touch; in females they are separated. Hope this is helpful?

RB

 

[DoghouseRiley]

Thanks Rotherbirder, very helpful