Posted by Calilasseia on 09-07-2013 00:50
#1
Having been caught out in the past with Conopids that are excellent mimics of Syrphids, I thought I run this one past the experts here, just in case I've alighted upon another one.
Specimen in question was sighted in the UK, OS Grid Reference SJ499855, 2013-07-08, 15:53 BST. Ambient weather: blazing sunshine, temperature in the low 80s °F, little to no cloud, barely perceptible breeze. Photo now follows. This one caught my attention because it looked as if someone had spray-painted a Syrphid with acrylics to make it look hyper-real! Plus, upon viewing the photo, the antennae are considerably more protrusive than I'm used to seeing on Syrphids in my (admittedly limited) experience. All of which makes me ask if I've found a mimetic Conopid again!