Drone Fly

[deetheturk]

Thank you John, very much appreciated mate

David

[Geoff F]

Confusion over searching for information using common names is why latin was invented.

OK, maybe not historically correct but using the correct scientific terms will produce better results. For 'Drone Fly' try Eristalis tenax.

There are many hoverflies, and some other species, which deliberately mimic bees and wasps. The simplest starter position for separating a mimic from the real thing is to check the antennae. Short on flies but typical bee/wasp antennae on those species.

Some fly species do have different antennae, to a limited extent, and sawflies for instance have longer antennae; but this principle tends to help with initial identification for beginners.

[DanK]

David,

Superb captures.

Geoff--you know much more about insect identification than I do, but I find it helpful to point out to people the shape of the antennae rather than the length. The paddle-shaped flagella are a giveaway for the species that have them. Also, the eyes of insects like hoverflies are very much like those of houseflies and unlike those of bees and wasps. When I was first looking for hovers, some years ago, it was the eyes that were my main clue.

Dan

[Stagecoach]

Another excellent series David, difficult to pick a favourite as they are all so good. It's the hair on the eyes that I find interesting.

Cheers, Grahame

[deetheturk]

Cheers again Geoff, your knowledge along with others on the forum goes a long way to helping not only myself but others that are interested in the insect world!

David

[deetheturk]

Thanks Dan, like I have just said to Geoff, it is great help having guys like yourself who are willing to help and share your know how on this, to me anyway, a fantastic mini world out there!

Cheers David

[deetheturk]

Thanks Grahame, much appreciated mate, yeh you would think the hairs would be annoying, I know how irritating it is when I get a hair in my eye

Cheers David

[IzzieK]

Cheers Izzie, glad you liked them tell google its not its nose its called a proboscis Hope your rain passes quickly pal

David

Yep...that is the one. Proboscis. It has a long probe...