Insect IDs please (UK) (1 Viewer)

[DoghouseRiley]

Hi Guys
Still test out my new macro and finding new critters to photograph, please check these out and let me know if I have managed to get it right or not.

Gasteruption jaculator? https://www.flickr.com/photos/157476475@N03/50116158256/in/dateposted-public/

Platycheirus scutatus? https://www.flickr.com/photos/157476475@N03/50116380167/in/dateposted-public/

Nowickia ferox? https://www.flickr.com/photos/157476475@N03/50116159561/in/dateposted-public/

Lastly, pretty sure this is a Norfolk Hawker? https://www.flickr.com/photos/157476475@N03/50116157431/in/dateposted-public/

Thanks, Gareth

 

[aeshna5]

Certainly a Norfolk Hawker.

 

[DoghouseRiley]

Thanks aeshna5,
At least that is a good start.
The flies and hoverflies are a challenge for me.....
Gareth

 

[Dave Ball]

When and where was the Norfolk Hawker, Doghouse?

Still trying to get one in Bedfordshire (everyone else seems to have done so), but thought I’d blown it for this year. Might give a Felmersham another go if they’re still flying, though by now there’ll be all the Brown Hawkers to distract me

 

[Dave Ball]

Sorry, should have looked at the photo, shouldn’t I

Little Paxo (good site). 13th so recent.

 

[DoghouseRiley]

About 10-11am, there's always a few people around to direct you. I went looking for Willow Emeralds found the Norfolk and then back to the car and bumped into a Willow, a lucky day.

 

[Ficedula]

Hi Guys
Still test out my new macro and finding new critters to photograph, please check these out and let me know if I have managed to get it right or not.

Gasteruption jaculator? https://www.flickr.com/photos/157476475@N03/50116158256/in/dateposted-public/

Platycheirus scutatus? https://www.flickr.com/photos/157476475@N03/50116380167/in/dateposted-public/

Nowickia ferox? https://www.flickr.com/photos/157476475@N03/50116159561/in/dateposted-public/

Lastly, pretty sure this is a Norfolk Hawker? https://www.flickr.com/photos/157476475@N03/50116157431/in/dateposted-public/

Thanks, Gareth

Nowickia ferox is correct, but Gasteruption jaculator, while likely (as the commonest one with long ovipositor) could also be one of two rare species.

The Platycheirus looks like albimanus to me.

 

[DoghouseRiley]

Hi Fecidula

Are you saying that it is not possible to confirm Gasteruption jaculator because other species are too similar? And if so, does the location help? (Cambridgeshire, UK)

I went for scutatus because of the wide adapted fore leg and hairs. But on closer examination I see that the hair is not on the lower fore leg. Could you tell me how you made the identifcation please?

Yours, Gareth

 

[Ficedula]

Hi Fecidula

Are you saying that it is not possible to confirm Gasteruption jaculator because other species are too similar? And if so, does the location help? (Cambridgeshire, UK)

I went for scutatus because of the wide adapted fore leg and hairs. But on closer examination I see that the hair is not on the lower fore leg. Could you tell me how you made the identifcation please?

Yours, Gareth

Yes, the similar species differ in the nature of occipital carina and antesternal carina. Key here

As for Platychirus, i know it well, can see its not scutatus (which is an agg. anyway so you would need the specimen) and it just looks like albimanus, but need clearer shot to be quite sure. I presume you have the Stubbs & Falk book?

 

[DoghouseRiley]

I have Ball & Morris, 2nd edition for Hoverflies, and I am waiting patiently for Brock's new book due in March.

I have taken a look at the link, struggling a little as I know pretty much nothing of these insects anatomy wise but isn't G. jaculator the only one that looks like this that is present in the UK?

Gareth

 

[Ficedula]

I have taken a look at the link, struggling a little as I know pretty much nothing of these insects anatomy wise but isn't G. jaculator the only one that looks like this that is present in the UK?

Gareth

Why do you think that? have you checked out all the GB species? (5 of them).

 

[DoghouseRiley]

I found three others, but it was struggle.

Could you give me some alternatives, please?

Gareth

 

[Ficedula]

I found three others, but it was struggle.

Could you give me some alternatives, please?

Gareth

Really? GB checklist available on line and easily found.

plus there are many other lists readily found, eg NBN or UKSI

these are our 5 species, first three with ovipositor longer than body.

Gasteruption caucasicum (Guérin-Méneville, 1844)
Gasteruption jaculator (Linnaeus, 1758)
Gasteruption laticeps (Tournier, 1877)
Gasteruption assectator (Linnaeus, 1758)
Gasteruption minutum (Tournier, 1877)

 

[DoghouseRiley]

I managed to find pictures of actual specimens of the five species that you kindly listed for me: http://v3.boldsystems.org/index.php/TaxBrowser_Taxonpage?taxid=173754
The only thing it seems to confirm is that the easily identifiable markings on these wasps are very variable. Ideally the white markings above and the below the swollen part of the rear leg, and the red markings on the "body" would give some indication but it seems so variable to be next to useless.
I have searched for up to date distribution maps but....
Thanks again for your help.
Gareth