Eristalis arbustorum ?

[bonitin]

A British Syrphid fly for identification please


I'm not entirely sure about it being Eristalis arbustorum, because I only see a faint suggestion of the orange broken band on the first section of its abdomen, also the eyes look a little weird, from this angle it looks as if there are white hairs on them. Unfortunately I only have one image..

[JRsbugs]

Hi bonitin,

I think it's a strong possibilty that it's Eristalis arbustorum, a 'gravid' female. The white between the abdominal sections is likely expanding due to pregnancy, making them look wider. The triangular marks can be variable in strength of colour, they are just showing the typical shape the female has though.

I think the light shining through the hairs on the eyes is making it look whiter than it is.

Janet

[bonitin]

Thanks janet for the id but also for the interesting comments!