Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Eristalinus sepulchralis ?
Posted by LordV on 17-03-2009 09:02
#1
Not seen this hoverfly before in the garden. Taken Yesterday Worthing South coast UK on a camelia bush. Slightly smaller than the normal drone flies but lovely eyes.
Is it Eristalinus sepulchralis ?
Thanks
brian V.
Edited by LordV on 17-03-2009 11:21
Posted by LordV on 17-03-2009 13:08
#2
Suggestion it may be Eristalinus aeneus: "Tergites 2 and 3 completely shiny (...) Males: eyes meet on frons"
Brian V.
Posted by conopid on 17-03-2009 14:14
#3
Brian,
It's difficult to be certain, but I think it must be sepulchralis as the abdomen does appear rather brassy coloured, rather than black. Stubbs describes aenus as a "magnificent hoverfly". Did it strike you as such when you saw it?
Posted by Menno Reemer on 17-03-2009 14:48
#4
Hello,
In E. sepulchralis males the eyes are narrowly but clearly separated on the frons, so this is E. aeneus. Besides, the shining tergites 2 and 3 (no dull pparts in the middle) and the lack of dust stripes on the thoracic dorsum also point at E. aeneus. And yes, I think it's quite magnificent...
Menno
Posted by LordV on 17-03-2009 16:43
#5
Thanks for the ID help Nigel and Menno. Concensus seems to be E.aeneus esp as I live about 400yds from the sea.
Brian v.
Posted by conopid on 17-03-2009 17:06
#6
Nice find.