Posted by Nikolay_D on 20-09-2021 16:49
#1
Hi,
Please, help me with the identification of this hoverfly. It was collected on the sunlit trunk of Betula in the evening. When disturbed, it started to fly around the trunk imitating the flight partten of a solitary bee.
Specimen data: May, 30, 2021, Russia, Moscow, edge of a mixed forest.
Body length: 11mm. Wingspan: 20mm.
Edited by Nikolay_D on 21-09-2021 08:00
Posted by Sundew on 20-09-2021 23:27
#5
I disagree with
Merodon. In that genus, wing vein R4+5 has a distinct loop. To me, it's a female of
Brachypalpus laphriformis (compare
https://www.flick...240971524/).
Regards, Sundew
Posted by Nikolay_D on 21-09-2021 08:07
#7
Thanks for the correction of determination!
I looked through the flickr page on Brachypalpus laphriformis. The behavior of this fly imitating Osmia exactly matches what I have witnessed. Frankly speaking, when it was disturbed and started to fly around the trunk, I thought that the fly flew away and a bee just came to investigate. It was only when it settled for the second time that I realized the trick.
