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Hi,
When dealing with Mucha Fero's Xanthogramma thread, I realized that I had a Xanthogramma problem, too, concerning X. dives. Using the forum search, I found a lot of hot discussion whether there is one species X. pedissequum or a species group including X. stackelbergi and X. dives. Meanwhile it seems settled that there are several accepted species. When I checked my photo collection of 4 specimens [all superficially labeled "X. cf. pedissequum"], I found that all animals had infuscated wing tips. Speight & Sommaggio 2010 (http://www.entomo...t_BUCH.pdf) say that there are only three European species showing that character: X. citrofasciatum, X. marginale, and X. dives. The two former can be excluded, as they look rather different. X. dives is said to be essentially a southern European insect. The Fauna Europaea states its absence for Germany, though other sources deny this. It is also not mentioned in the species list of Berlin and Brandenburg, however, this may be based on a broad species concept of X. pedissequum. So I would like to ask the Syrphid experts if it is possible that I have not seen any X. pedissequum s. str. yet but came exclusively across X. dives. BTW, some specimens show a colouration of the abdominal membrane that matches X. dives and X. stackelbergi, respectively. The latter species is said, however, to possess clear wing tips without a sign of infuscation.
I am looking forward for opinions and explanations - thanks in advance!
Sundew