Diptera.info

Posted by Ingrid Altmann on 24-06-2020 17:00

Hello,
I found this Syrphidae larve on Picea abies. Is it possible to ID it?
Data:
22.06.2020, Germany, Bavaria, Bavarian Forest, Hoher Bogen.

Best regards
Ingrid

Posted by eklans on 26-06-2020 12:36

Hi Ingrid, it's really nice! I've found 2 possible candidates: Parasyrphus punctulatus and Scaeva pyrastri - but unfortunately not sure. Maybe it's one assimilated to Picea abies (the stripes)

Eric

Posted by Ingrid Altmann on 26-06-2020 16:51

Thank you very much Eric! :-)
But I think Scaeva pyrastri has only one stripe?
https://www6.inrae.fr/encyclopedie-pucerons/Especes/Predateurs-insectes/Diptera-Syrphidae/Scaeva-pyrastri
I try to breed the larva but I don't know if it will work.

Posted by eklans on 26-06-2020 18:21

Yes, Ingrid, usually only one stripe - but I cannot find another larva of Parasyrphus punctulatus as in the "Colour Guide to Hoverfly Larvae" from Graham Rotheray (sitting on spruce needle).
Steven Falk reports "Females have been observed laying eggs on spruce but it may predate aphids on both conifers and broadleaves as it can be found some distance from conifers" here: https://www.flick...044806699/
So I hope you will succeed in breeding Mr. Hyde from Dr. Jekyll - and I'm looking forward to it!

Eric