Posted by nick smith on 24-06-2010 15:52
#1
Hi, photographed this yesterday in the S E of England. We have a couple of variagated Euonymus bushes just coming into flower and I want to record as many of the species that I can that visit it. Could anyone help with the identifactions of the diptera please? This one was about the 12 -15 mm in length and made a very loud buzzing noise when flying (not unlike an inflated but untied balloon being let go!)
Thanks (there will be more to follow!)
Edited by nick smith on 24-06-2010 16:12
Posted by ChrisR on 24-06-2010 16:32
#2
Syrphidae -
Merodon equestris (a common species in gardens - numerous color forms - larvae feed on bulbs) :)
They are often referred to as 'bee flies' or 'bee mimic flies' but that doesn't make them a bee-fly (Bombylidae) ;)
Posted by nick smith on 24-06-2010 19:16
#3
Thanks Chris, looked up your suggestion on bioimages.org.uk and the photos there are very similar, so thanks for the info.
Nick