Species: Thick-legged Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens)
Family: Hoverflies (SYRPHIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: Widespread
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Hoverflies (SYRPHIDAE)
True to their name, the hoverflies hover around flowers, and then alight to feed on nectar and pollen. They are very important pollinators, and despite the fact that some look like wasps or bees, this is just mimicry and helps to keep potential predators at bay. Hoverflies have no sting, and have short, drooping antennae. The larvae are as useful as the adults, in that they feed on aphids.
We have a photograph-filled blog post about all the hoverflies that we have seen in the Cemetery that may be worth your time.
C. Thick-legged Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens)
The small Thick-legged Hoverfly is a commonly-found member of the hoverfly family. It is very nippy in flight, so photographing it is very difficult. The thickened rear femur is a distinctive feature - hence its name, clearly visible even in the photograph we have here. They occasionally appear in local population explosions. This hoverfly is sometimes called the 'Compost Hoverfly'
These flies are important pollinators.
Images
Syritta pipiens (Thick-legged Hoverfly)
The small Thick-legged Hoverfly is a commonly-found member of the hoverfly family. It is very nippy in flight, so photographing it is very difficult. The thickened rear femur is a distinctive feature - hence its name, clearly visible even in the photograph we have here.
Syritta pipiens (Thick-legged Hoverfly)
The unmistakeable thickened rear femur of Syritta pipiens sets it apart from all but one other British hoverfly.
Syritta pipiens (Thick-legged Hoverfly)
This is a widely distributed and abundant hoverfly. Note the enlarged hind femora (thigh).
Syritta pipiens (Thick-legged Hoverfly)
The sides of this hoverfly's thorax are dusted grey.
Syritta pipiens (Thick-legged Hoverfly)
The abdominal markings of this Thick-legged hoverfly - which are usually covered by the insect's folded wings when it is at rest - can be clearly seen in this photograph.
(Photo credit: Stuart MA Ball.)
