Hopefully this side shot will allow a positive id for my possible hover fly?

[JBW]

[Shadowman]

That looks more like a hornet.

[xpatUSA]

'Tis a big family:

http://www.britannica.com/animal/hover-fly

A good tip about wing veins here:

http://www.gardensafari.net/english/hoverflies.htm

If we google "hover fly" (with the quotes) and select Images, there's a ton of pics there to go at.

[Geoff F]

With those wing veins, definitely not a hoverfly.

It is certainly a good wasp mimic but the antennae rule out any of the wasp family.

There are Conopos species but I can't really place the antennae there. So I tend to come back to my earlier thought about one of the Soldierfly family. The Stratiomyidae are a large group and most of them are flower feeders.

Those wing veins being rather sparse should be a clue but I can't seem to definitely place this into any specific category. Also the long and sturdy antennae?

A good photo and someone who is familiar with flies from your area should be able to offer better advice.

The Wild About The World website may be worth a look.

[Cantab]

Brian, congratulations on a really good image -- even though I don't have a clue what it is!

[JBW]

Brian, congatulations on a really good image -- even though I don't have a clue what it is!

credit where credit is due. Dave (moderator Dave) suggested a change in workflow and technique that results in the improved results.

[Adzman808]

Brian, congatulations on a really good image -- even though I don't have a clue what it is!

My sentiments exactly, such crisp shot, with just the right amount of DOF