Posted by PeterD on 11-11-2009 12:54
#1
Could someone please confirm my id on this hoverfly?
I am also curious as to what is attached to its tail.
Thanks
Posted by Paul Beuk on 11-11-2009 13:12
#2
The fly is indeed
Eristalis tenax and they are mites that are attached to the tip of the abdomen.
Posted by PeterD on 11-11-2009 14:16
#3
Paul Beuk wrote:
The fly is indeed Eristalis tenax and they are mites that are attached to the tip of the abdomen.
Thank you Paul. I thought this was the case. I have seen numerous butterflies with red mite attached. I understand they pick them up when they roost in grass and that the odd few does not affect the insect very much but those on this hoverfly seems extreme.