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estimate 7-9mm long.
Gluttonously feeding on carrot blossoms in my vegetable garden.
15.30-16pm, 23rd Sept. 2017, Flensburg, Germany.

I know it's almost impossible to identify Pollenia Sp. from photographs but this lady was very photogenic so someone might be able to see one or two defining characteristics.

Thanks in advance

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Habitat 7of7

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A female Pollenia of the rudis group. I've only examined and identified 7 different Pollenia specimens. I suspect this to be Pollenia rudis but it is very difficult to separate rudis from hungarica via photo. Further, hungarica is one of the species that I have not examined yet. The black vestiture or lack of golden vestiture on the femora and the ventral abdomen lead to Pollenia rudis versus hungarica. The eye in profile is much higher than the gena of the aptly named angustigena so I am comfortable suggesting Pollenia cf rudis.

Some problems for me is that the genal groove appears to be more well defined than what I've seen for P. rudis. Also, I cannot tell if there are three-to-four marginal scutellar bristles. Some of the bristles could be missing. I am not a teacher (nor will that ever happen), so I am not able to convey my knowledge very well. I see several reasons why this should be P. rudis. If you are not comfortable with a cf, then simply rudis group.

I hope that you have a Pleasant Day.

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Many Thanks John and Nini,

Knowing the group and that it's probably rudis or hungarica is good enough for me. I'm just interested in recording the insects in my garden and learning a bit of entomology on the way. You are a great help!

Warm Regards
Ray